Nearly 20% of Wayne County's residents were determined Medicaid eligible in 2023, and according to the Job and Family Services director, many of the recipients are children.
The 2023 Annual Report shows 22,536 people were declared eligible for services last year.
Medicaid is the most extensive program JFS administers, according to Director Rich Owens. The complexities of the Medicaid system can be overwhelming, leaving many individuals and families struggling to navigate the labyrinth of eligibility requirements, benefits and provider networks.
In Wayne County, JFS is vital in administering Medicaid and providing support to vulnerable populations.
“Besides traditional Medicaid, there is Transitional, long term care, SLMB and QMB,” Owens said. “Each has different requirements, which the eligibility team navigates to ensure the client has access to medical care.”
At its core, Medicaid is designed to provide access to necessary healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital stays and prescription medications, to populations that may not have the financial means to afford the services.
The program is administered by each state, with the federal government providing funding and oversight. This unique dynamic creates an intricate web of policies, regulations and stakeholders working together to ensure Medicaid beneficiaries receive the care they need.
In 2023, JFS provided nearly $172,500 in gas vouchers to 400 Medicaid eligible people for non-emergency medical transportation.
JFS also processed 8,229 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications, including renewals. The federally funded program provides eligible recipients a monthly allotment of financial assistance to purchase food and groceries. The benefits are loaded onto electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards that can be used at participating retailers.
A look at costs for various services
In addition to food, medical and cash, Wayne County JFS administered contracts totaling $834,046.55 in Title XX, a social services block grant, including:
- Drug and alcohol abuse counseling and domestic violence shelter - $232,686.53
- Adult daycare for the elderly and transport for dialysis and chemotherapy - $95,205.56
- Vulnerable youth total - $473,162.46
- Home-based senior care - $492
- Medical case management and insurance navigator - $32,500
- Title XX also funded 216 investigations of elder abuse.
The departments fund through Title IV-A, also a block grant, provided for:
- Childcare for 636 children of 380 families, 21 childcare centers and five in-home childcare providers at a cost of nearly $1,950,000
- Car repair assistance about $200,000
- Rent and mortgage assistance of nearly $26,500
JFS assists those seeking employment with the help to attain skills required for, including resume and interviewing guidance.
In 2023, the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) center at JFS helped 681 job seekers, including 29 veterans. Via a partnership with Goodwill Industries, OMJ served 730 people through the Able Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) program, 65 through the Ohio Works First (OWF) program and 259 through the Comprehensive Case Management Program.
Download a copy of the annual report at www.waynecountydjfs.com/agency-info<http://www.waynecountydjfs.com/agency-info>
Dan Starcher is the Public Communications coordinator for Wayne County.
Most Popular
Comments / 0