Buy health insurance coverage in Ohio. It’s actually very easy. You can find affordable plans both before AND after Open Enrollment. We have carefully crafted this website to make the application process simple. Any “questionable” companies have been removed from the quoting software and we highlight the Marketplace policies that offer the most comprehensive coverage for the premium that is being charged. Gold and Platinum-tier plans are the most expensive options, but often feature the lowest out-of-pocket expenses (excluding cost-sharing). Bronze-tier plans are typically the most economical option, although out-of-pocket expenses are higher.
Request Your Quote
The process starts when you request your quote at the top of the page. Once you have provided some basic information, you’ll be presented with rates from the best health insurers, such as Anthem Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare (short-term), Medical Mutual, Aetna (Group), CareSource, Molina, Ambetter, Paramount, SummaCare, Oscar, and Humana (Group). We have filtered out all “discount” or “limited” policies (Many carriers offer ancillary or Senior coverage, but not primary individual plans).
Although there are approximately 100 options, but we will scale the number down to the 5-10 that are your best enrollment choices. A quick phone call or email to us will start that process. Once we know some basic information about what claims you are most likely to submit, we can show you the most ideal plans that will keep the most money in your pocket. Enrollment requires no medical questions to be answered for Exchange plans, and your federal subsidy is automatically applied to the premium. Many plans offer $0 monthly premiums.
If you’re not eligible for an Obamacare federal subsidy (under age-65 plans), we will show you policies that will keep your premium low while still offering premium benefits that cover the most important items. For example, if there are specific benefits that you don’t want or need, we’ll highlight those options. PPO networks (Aetna and UnitedHealthcare) are offered on non-Obamacare plans. Coverage is offered during and outside of Open Enrollment periods.
The Subsidy
The subsidy is the federal tax credit that is instantly provided. It can reduce your premium as much as $10,000 (or more) per year. Larger families often receive the largest subsidy. The prices you view, however, do not include the subsidy. Therefore, we will quickly determine if you qualify and calculate the resulting credit. Your total household income and number of family members living in the household will have a direct impact on the amount you receive. Different counties may have different subsidy amounts.
Also, the more dependents you declare on your tax return, the more generous the federal government will be when awarding your financial aid. You also get a “credit” if a spouse is covered under Medicare. Changes to household income can impact the amount of the subsidy and your eligibility to receive the instant tax credit. Dependents that reach age 26 must purchase their own coverage.
If you do not qualify for a subsidy, then you can apply for an “Off-Exchange” plan, which may reduce the processing time since the government is not involved. Your policies would still meet the “Essential Benefits” requirement, and satisfy all new legislative mandates. Maternity, prescription drugs, office visits, ER visits, and many other comprehensive benefits would be covered. Many carriers offer off-Marketplace plans.
You would not be taxed or fined for non-compliance during or after Open Enrollment since the tax penalty was eliminated. As we will discuss later, if you miss the deadline, there are several options which will allow you to purchase inexpensive plans that take care of any gaps in benefits.PPO and indemnity plans are offered in all counties.
Click On The Button
Once you have decided which plan is best for you (with or without our help), as you are reviewing the details, you may see a request to “apply” or “enroll.” Generally, the process is short, and completion of the online enrollment form takes about 10-20 minutes. Typically, proof of income is not required. However, new US citizens may be required to furnish proof of citizenship.
When you “apply online,” you will be answering all of the questions on the secure website of the company you have chosen. If you “download” the application, you can print it and upon completion, email or fax back to us. Whether you apply online or fax/email the information, the questions are the same and the rate is not affected. Note: Qualified coverage requires no medical questions to be answered during Open Enrollment.
Non-qualified plans may require several medical questions to be answered. Federal subsidies apply to specific plans that may not be available in all areas.Legislation can often impact subsidy amounts and availability. Pandemics and stimulus legislation often increases the amount of eligible funds.
No Medical Questions For Exchange Plans
During this process, we are happy to help you with the application questions or any other concern you have. Of course, we cannot (and will not!) answer them for you. But we can help interpret what information is being asked and provide some expert guidance. Short-term policies (earlier mentioned) require the least amount of information. Your address, contact information, and dates of birth are generally required during the enrollment process.
Temporary plans, unlike Exchange plans require a limited number of medical questions to be answered. A routine physical is not required and medical records are rarely requested. However, one a claim is submitted, it is possible that the insurer will order a medical history related to the condition, illness, or injury claim.
Buying Health Insurance in Ohio After Open Enrollment Ends
Yes, you still can. Many persons miss Open Enrollment because of procrastination while others may have more appropriate reasons. Also, there are pre-approved exceptions (SEP) that will allow you to participate in the Marketplace, regardless of the month. A few of the most commonly-utilized exceptions are losing work benefits, notification of coverage termination, birth of a child, move to a different service area, and divorce.
In these situations, you will retain all rights that go along with purchasing a plan through Open Enrollment. Some of these “extras” include avoiding answering medical questions, pre-existing conditions are covered with no price increase, waiting period or higher deductible, and availability of tax subsidies. Approved qualified live events (QLE) can also occur because of changes in the household and changes in residence. Income changes may also trigger a QLE, providing almost-immediate guaranteed coverage.
But what if you missed the deadline because you either forgot, or simply decided you wanted to buy medical coverage? Although not the ideal option, a short-term plan will provide needed benefits until the next “Open” period. Although there are a few medical questions, approval usually occurs within 24 hours and we shop the major companies, so a reputable carrier will always be the underwriter. UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and National General (Aetna PPO network) are the three carriers that typically offer the most competitively-priced and flexible options. All three networks offer countrwide coverage.
Billing Options
Several companies will require you to pay the first monthly premium with the application. Typically, they do not withdraw the money until the effective date of the policy. Naturally, this payment can be refunded if you do not want coverage or do not accept the rate offer (subject to specific company guidelines). Temporary coverage often requires the initial payment to be submitted at the same time the application is completed.
Typically, during Open Enrollment (qualified plans), you are not asked to furnish any type of billing information in advance. You can request to be “billed at home.” On Marketplace policies, typically, all carriers will allow you to pay electronically or direct-bill. The tax credit subsidy is automatically applied to the premium. However, at the end of the year, if you received the PTC (Premium Tax Credit), you must file a tax return.If household income changes occur throughout the year, the subsidy can be adjusted.
Form 8962 must be attached to your tax return. It helps reconcile the approved tax credit with the actual amount of subsidy that was received throughout the year. The Marketplace will send Form 1095-A if any person in the household was covered. Form 8962 is submitted with the federal tax form. It is possible that if the projected household income was less than the actual reported amount, additional taxes may have to be paid.
Complete The Application
Once the application is completed, it is submitted by us directly to the health insurer. Generally, it takes between one and three weeks for an application to be approved, although short-term plans are often approved within 24 hours. You will receive written notification and a hard copy of the policy.
At any time, you can cancel the policy. You are not under any obligation to keep the coverage for any length of time. We recommend paying your premiums monthly since there rarely is a discount for paying quarterly or semi-annually. Many carriers only offer a “lump sum,” or an electronic withdraw option.
Let Us Help You Pick Out The Right Plan
Picking the best plan for your unique needs is perhaps the hardest part of the process. Call us. Email us. With 40 years of experience helping individuals and families here in Ohio, you’re in good hands. We’ll provide unbiased input on all of the health care options and the rates you see will always be the lowest prices that are provided by each carrier. And of course, we never charge any fees or share your personal information.
