How To Find the Best Health Insurance in Ohio

Even though Ohio health insurance shoppers enjoy relatively low rates compared to the rest of the country and coverage is not compulsory, it’s still recommended that they compare quotes from multiple health insurance companies in order to find the lowest possible rate for a plan that can protect them from severe medical debt.

Keep reading to learn more about Ohio health insurance such as when residents can enroll in a health plan and how much they might have to pay if they live in one of Ohio’s biggest cities.

On This Page

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  Is Health Insurance Required in Ohio?

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  Ohio Health Insurance Rankings

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  How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Ohio?

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  What Is the Average Cost of Health Insurance in Ohio by City?

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  Which Health Insurance Companies Are the Most Affordable in Ohio?

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  When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in Ohio?

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  What Types of Health Insurance Are Available in Ohio?

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  How To Get Health Insurance in Ohio

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  FAQs

Is Health Insurance Required in Ohio?

There is no tax penalty for people who choose not to have health insurance in Ohio. Although the federal government officially requires everyone living in the United States to be insured, the requirement is not enforced at the federal level and most states — including Ohio — do not impose individual mandate penalties.^[1]

Ohio Health Insurance Rankings

Ohio has a slightly below-average health care system compared to other states and Washington, D.C., ranking 31st out of 51 in a study conducted by the Commonwealth Fund. The state performed best on racial and ethnic health equity and worst on avoidable hospital use and cost. For a rundown of how Ohio fared in other areas, see the table below.^[2]

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Ohio?

A benchmark plan purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace in Ohio costs $435 per month on average. In comparison, the national average benchmark plan premium is a bit higher at $477 per month. Ohioans also pay an average monthly rate of $354 for the state’s cheapest plan in the bronze tier, $431 for the cheapest silver plan and $477 for the cheapest gold plan.^[3]

Cheapest Health Insurance Options in Ohio

If you want low premiums and aren’t concerned about high copays, coinsurance and deductibles each time you receive care, then a bronze plan may be a good fit for you.^[4] In addition, you may save on premiums and out-of-pocket costs by opting for a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan over a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan, though you will miss out on coverage for some benefits like care from out-of-network providers and unreferred specialists.^[5]

What Is the Average Cost of Health Insurance in Ohio by City?

See the below table for the median monthly health insurance costs without considering premium tax credits for 30-year-old individuals with an annual income of $40,000 living in five of the largest cities in Ohio.^[6]

Which Health Insurance Companies Are the Most Affordable in Ohio?

Molina offers the lowest starting rates for silver health insurance coverage among 40-year-olds in Ohio. You can go over the following table to see which Ohio insurance carriers sell this type of affordable health insurance for less than $800 per month.^[7]

When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in Ohio?

Ohioans are free to sign up for health coverage through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace during open enrollment from November 1 to January 15. Those who enroll by December 15 will be able to start taking advantage of their plan at the beginning of the new year, while those who sign up later will have to wait until February 1 for their coverage to begin.^[8]

Outside of open enrollment, the only way to sign up for a Marketplace health plan is by qualifying for a special enrollment period. These enrollment periods are triggered by major life events that substantially change your health care or coverage needs such as getting married or having a baby.^[9]

What Types of Health Insurance Are Available in Ohio?

Some of the main types of health insurance residents of Ohio may be able to obtain include the following:

• Marketplace health insurance
• Private coverage purchased directly from an insurance company such as short-term health insurance
• Employer-sponsored group health insurance
• Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation coverage
• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits
• Student health plans

How To Get Health Insurance in Ohio

Acquiring health insurance quotes from about three to five different insurance companies can help you ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal on the coverage you need. Unfortunately, it can be very time-consuming to call multiple carriers to provide them with information like your location and income so they can provide you with quotes.

However, you can speed up the process significantly by using an online marketplace platform like SmartFinancial. After you fill out a brief questionnaire, we’ll connect you with agents who can help you find the right health plan for your situation. Start comparing health insurance quotes at no cost today.