August 31, 2026 · 6 min read
Next Generation MyCare now covers every Ohio county. Here's what that means for you
The statewide rollout finished August 1. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, this is the program shaping your 2027 choices.
By David Nunley
Licensed Medicare broker · United Medicare Club, Stow, Ohio · United Medicare Club
This summer, quietly, one of the biggest changes in years finished rolling out across Ohio. As of August 1, 2026, the Ohio Department of Medicaid's Next Generation MyCare program is available in all of Ohio's counties — not just the 29 that had the original MyCare program.
What changed this year
- January 1, 2026: Next Generation MyCare launched in the 29 original MyCare counties — including Summit, Portage, Stark, and Wayne here in Northeast Ohio.
- April 1 – August 1, 2026: the program expanded region by region to the rest of the state.
- It replaced the old MyCare Ohio demonstration, which ended December 31, 2025.
Who it's for
You're generally eligible if you have full Ohio Medicaid, have Medicare Parts A, B, and D, and are 21 or older. Your MyCare plan covers everything traditional Medicare and Medicaid cover, including long-term care at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility, plus behavioral health. Plans may also offer extras like added transportation.
Who runs the plans
Ohio contracted with four companies: Anthem, Buckeye, CareSource, and Molina. Each works with the local Area Agency on Aging to coordinate care. If you're shopping now, check which plans are accepting new members in your county.
Why I'm writing about this before fall enrollment: the federal 2027 rule (next week's post) makes these integrated MyCare plans the main path for Ohioans who want their Medicare and Medicaid in one place.
Questions to ask before choosing
- Are my primary doctor, specialists, and hospital in this plan's network?
- Will my current home-care aide or PASSPORT services continue?
- Who is my care coordinator, and how do I reach them?
- What extra benefits does the plan offer, and are there any limits?
Have a question about your own situation? Send me a note from the United Medicare Club home page or call (234) 380-6282. — David
Sources
- Ohio Department of Medicaid — Next Generation MyCare Program
- Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline — Learn about Next Generation MyCare (1-800-324-8680)
- ODM — Next Generation MyCare Member FAQ (updated 2026)
Information current as of August 31, 2026. Rules and plan offerings change; confirm details with your plan, Medicare.gov, or the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline.
