Last Updated on by Ed Harris
The most respected health insurance resource in the Buckeye State is ours! The awards and recognition keep coming. Get free online quotes, quick comparisons of the cheapest plans, and a simplified enrollment process. Purchasing individual and family Exchange (and off-Exchange) medical coverage has never been easier. Off-Marketplace plans are also offered, including short-term plans. If you missed Open Enrollment, many options remain available.
You also have access to helpful tools and healthcare reform guides that easily explain differences in cost and benefits between all of the available Marketplace and Medigap policies. Seniors that have reached age 65 and are eligible for Medicare, can choose among several plan options. Supplement contract benefits are identical from one carrier to another. However, rates and policy availability can vary.
So how do we do it? What makes this website so different than the others? And how do we maintain our top rating every year? Actually, there are many reasons and here are a few:
Rates
Quite simply, the Under-65 rates you see on this website are always the lowest possible prices that are offered by all of the reputable companies in the state. There are no exceptions. Regardless of whether it is a short-term plan from UnitedHealthcare or Medical Mutual, a Group HSA from Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, or Aetna, or comprehensive coverage from CareSource, Ambetter, SummaCare, or Molina, we always quote the lowest available premiums.
These are the same direct rates charged by the carriers themselves. They also mirror any offered rate through the federal government healthcare website. However, consumers overwhelmingly prefer to apply for coverage on our website, because of speed, streamlined enrollment, and easy access to accurate local advice. There are never any enrollment fees, and our expert guidance is available 24/7. Child-only plans are also offered.
Open Enrollment for persons under age 65 begins November 1, and ends on December 15th. However, additional policies are offered at all times, in case you missed the deadline, or prefer alternative options. Federal subsidized coverage is offered to most applicants and special enrollment periods (SEP) provide extra times to purchase coverage. We have eliminated the majority of the time that was previously required to enroll. It’s now quick and easy. And quite painless too!
Note: Medicare Supplement, Advantage, and Part D prescription drug plans do not receive federal subsidies from the Marketplace Exchanges. However, there are several low-income programs that can possibly assist in paying premiums or lowering out-of-pocket costs. Also, Senior Open Enrollment begins October 15th, and ends on December 7th. Newly-qualified Medicare applicants can generally enroll in specific plans throughout the year.
Service
Anybody can show you a list of carriers with their rates. But we have more experience (40 years!) than the vast majority of other brokers or websites. We ask a lot of questions, so we understand the exact type of coverage you need, and which plans will give you the largest tax subsidy (if available) and lowest premium.We review prices and plans each year so you can view the most current options.
We research and compare hundreds of policies, and customize a recommendation that perfectly matches your needs at at an affordable rate. However, you can also handle the comparison and buying process yourself, and use one of our provided links to apply directly with the carrier. You will still receive the most competitive prices, without paying any fee or administrative cost. And we will continue to offer assistance after you enroll.
But the service doesn’t end after you purchase a policy. Any time you need help with understanding benefits, a claim, a billing issue or any other issue, simply call us. Or email us. If it’s before midnight, you’ll probably get a LIVE email back, and not an automated response.
We provide a very easy application and enrollment process. We understand that each person may prefer to apply for coverage differently. If you need our help, we’re here. If you want to view your options and apply directly without our assistance, that’s available, even if you need our assistance after you have submitted the application. You can apply online, by fax or through email. Yes, we really do make it easy for you to buy health insurance!
Bias
Perhaps we should say “lack of bias. Unlike a direct company website that offers you coverage from only one single carrier, we represent all of the top carriers. If Anthem BCBS is the best option for you, that’s who we’ll recommend. If Medical Mutual, Cigna, Aetna, or another carrier provides the most attractive combination of price and benefits, we will provide specific details.If a carrier has filed for a substantial rate increase for the following year, we will review the pricing with you so that you may make any needed adjustments before the new rates are effective.
Since Medicare Supplement plans are standardized, benefits for similar plans (A, B, F, etc…) do not vary from one company to another. Prices, however, can vary from one county to another. Your age will also impact the cost. For example, a 65-year-old applicant will likely pay lower rates than a 75-year applicant. Smoking rates also may be higher.
Occasionally, two or three carriers may offer near-identical options. But there may be small details that are not easily noticed. We ensure you understand the differences, and the affect it has on your personal circumstances. We never forget who comes first – you, the customer.
Only Ohio
You may notice that this entire website is devoted to Ohio health insurance. Whether we’re researching rates, companies, networks, Medicare options, policy changes, HSA options or impacts of the Exchange…there’s one common theme. Frankly, we don’t care about rates in Virginia or what the pre-existing clause in Oklahoma doesn’t cover. Many other websites devote time and money to states that don’t help you. We concentrate and review plans and prices here at home. This includes Senior Medicare plans, Marketplace plans, and Medicaid and CHIP options for lower-income households.
We care about medical coverage only in the Buckeye State! So, naturally, all of our time is spent on making this website user-friendly to individuals, families and small business owners who live here and need our assistance. As carriers enter and leave the state, and as Presidents and their Administrations change every four (or eight) years, we always keep you informed. Also, if your current carrier is planning to non-renew your policy (typically because they are exiting the marketplace), if possible, we will inform you months before your policy anniversary date, so you have ample time to review and compare the best replacement options.
Knowledge
Of course, we are not experts regarding all topics, but with more than 40 years of experience, we don’t just answer questions. We explain, in detail, why certain plans are recommended, and what research has been used to justify our answers. Published reports are availability for download at no cost. These reports provide Buckeye State consumers with the most current information regarding proposed healthcare changes from the government or carriers.We utilize every available tool, and modern software, along with established resources including the Department Of Insurance.
The Ohio Health Insurance Exchange provides subsidized policy options. Since 2014, many medical plans have been purchased through federal and state “Exchanges.” Plan details often change, along with the entire application process. It is critical to have an experienced team of experts in your corner to make sure you are matched with the right plan, and receive the appropriate tax credits, if you are eligible.Total household income and the number of eligible dependents will greatly determine the size of the instant tax credit that will be offered.
We are more prepared than any other resource for that challenge, and we will continue our leadership position in the industry. Enrolling through our website will save time and frustration compared to the government-run website that has experienced many problems and delays. Typically, you can shop, compare, and enroll in a recommended plan in less than 35 minutes.
Live Help
While we utilize an automated quote engine to make sure you are always receiving the lowest cost, live help is often available late in the evening. We understand that sometimes it may be nine o’clock or later in the evening when you have time to research your options. On most nights, as previously mentioned, we’ll answer your email (LIVE) until midnight!
“The best coverage at the lowest price” is how we are described by many of our online reviews. Whether you need an Exchange plan, short-term coverage or small business benefits, we have the expertise to help you find and enroll in the most affordable health insurance plans in Ohio.