Best Cheap Health Insurance in Ohio (2024)
Are you on the lookout for the best health insurance options in Ohio? Whether you’re seeking coverage, a family in need of a comprehensive plan, or a self-employed individual exploring your options, finding the right health insurance plan is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll explore Ohio’s top health insurance providers, including the cheapest options available. Additionally, we’ll delve into the average cost of health insurance per month in Ohio and consider insights from Reddit users on the best health insurance plans in the state.
Whether you’re seeking coverage for yourself or your family, we’ll help you navigate the landscape of health insurance in Ohio to find the plan that meets your needs and budget.
How much does health insurance cost in Ohio?
On average, a 40-year-old Ohio resident pays around $535 monthly for a Silver health insurance plan. Silver plans are popular for their balance of coverage and affordability. However, your actual costs may vary depending on factors like your age and the specific tier of plan you select.
In Ohio, seniors typically face higher health insurance costs than younger individuals. This is because older adults are more prone to requiring expensive medical treatments. For instance, a 60-year-old in Ohio can expect to pay over double the amount a 40-year-old pays for a health insurance plan, regardless of the coverage level chosen.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Ohio 2024
Selecting a metal tier impacts both your insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.
In Ohio, MedMutual offers the most budget-friendly Catastrophic plan, while SummaCare provides the cheapest Bronze option.
For Gold plans, Oscar stands out as the top choice. Additionally, AultCare offers competitively priced Silver and Platinum plans.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Ohio by Metal Tier
The AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental plan is the cheapest Silver option in Ohio, priced at $429 per month. This shows that many people prefer Silver plans. If you want lower monthly payments, you might choose Bronze plans, even though they could mean higher costs when you need care.
Health insurance plans are divided into metal tiers, which determine how much you pay each month and how much you might need to pay out of pocket for care.
Here are the most affordable health insurance plans in Ohio from each metal tier:
- Catastrophic: Market HMO Young Adult Essentials (MedMutual) – $213/month
- Bronze: SummaCare Bronze 8000 (SummaCare) – $340/month
- Expanded Bronze: SummaCare Bronze 9450 with 3 Free PCP Visits (SummaCare) – $354/month
- Silver: AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental (AultCare) – $429/month
- Gold: Gold Classic Standard (Oscar) – $481/month
- Platinum: AultCare Platinum 1650 Health Savings 500 (AultCare) – $887/month
| Metal Tier | Catastrophic | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
| Plan | Market HMO Young Adult Essentials | SummaCare Bronze 8000 | AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental | Gold Classic Standard | AultCare Platinum 1650 Health Savings 500 |
| Company | MedMutual | SummaCare | Aultcare | Oscar | Aultcare |
| Monthly Cost | $266 | $340 | $429 | $481 | $887 |
| Maximum Out-of-Pocket | $9,450 | $9,450 | $9,350 | $8,700 | $1,650 |
Cheapest Silver Plans in Ohio
The cheapest Silver plan in Ohio is the AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental, provided by AultCare, with an average monthly cost of $429.
Here are the three most affordable Silver plans available in Ohio:
- AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental from AultCare ($429/month)
- AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select from AultCare ($433/month)
- Silver Simple PCP Saver from Oscar ($434/month)
Silver plans are great for people expecting to use healthcare services but want a balance between monthly payments and extra costs. If you qualify, discounts can lower deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. This makes Silver plans a good choice for moderate-income folks seeking affordable coverage and protection from high medical bills.
Cheapest Gold Plans in Ohio
Oscar’s Gold Classic Standard plan is Ohio’s cheapest Gold tier health insurance, priced at $481 per month.
The three most cheapest Gold health plans in Ohio are:
- Gold Classic Standard by Oscar ($481/month)
- Clear Gold by Ambetter ($487/month)
- Everyday Gold by Ambetter ($494/month)
Gold plans are great for those needing regular medical care. They balance monthly premiums with out-of-pocket costs, though premiums are higher than Silver or Bronze plans. Gold plans are cost-effective for surgeries, prescriptions, and ongoing treatment.
Cheapest Bronze Plans in Ohio
The cheapest Bronze plan in Ohio is SummaCare Bronze 8000 from SummaCare, costing around $340 per month on average.
Here are the three most affordable Bronze health plans in Ohio:
- SummaCare Bronze 8000 by SummaCare ($340/month)
- SummaCare Bronze 8000 with Travel Assistance + Adult Vision Exam by SummaCare ($340/month)
- Market HMO 9450 by MedMutual ($406/month)
Bronze plans have cheap monthly premiums but higher costs when you use health services. They’re good for young, healthy folks who don’t need a lot of medical care. Also, for those who want to spend less monthly but still have coverage.
Cheapest Expanded Bronze Plans in Ohio
In Ohio, the cheapest Expanded Bronze plan is SummaCare Bronze 9450 with 3 Free PCP Visits, costing $354 monthly.
Here are the top three affordable Expanded Bronze plans in Ohio:
- SummaCare Bronze 9450 with 3 Free PCP Visits by SummaCare ($354/month)
- SummaCare Bronze 9450 with 3 Free PCP Visits + Travel Assistance + Adult Vision Exam by SummaCare ($354/month)
- Bronze Classic PCP Saver by Oscar ($357/month)
Expanded Bronze plans are for people who prefer lower monthly premiums but are okay with paying more for medical services when needed. They’re good for those who don’t anticipate needing much medical care or are willing to pay more upfront. These plans offer coverage for major health emergencies while keeping monthly costs down.
Cheapest Catastrophic Plans in Ohio
The cheapest Catastrophic plan in Ohio is the Market HMO Young Adult Essentials from MedMutual, priced at $213 per month.
Here are the three most affordable Catastrophic health plans in Ohio:
- Market HMO Young Adult Essentials by MedMutual ($213/month)
- SummaCare Value with 3 Free PCP Visits + Travel Assistance + Adult Vision Exam by SummaCare ($225/month)
- Secure by Oscar ($229/month)
Expanded Bronze plans offer a middle ground between basic coverage and higher-tier plans. They’re great for those seeking lower monthly premiums but better benefits than basic plans. These plans suit individuals willing to pay more out-of-pocket for lower monthly payments, ideal for those expecting low to moderate healthcare use. They’re a good choice for young, healthy individuals or those wanting some protection without high premiums.
Cheapest Platinum Plans in Ohio
The most budget-friendly Platinum tier health plan in Ohio is the Platinum 1650 Health Savings 500 plan from AultCare, priced at $887 per month.
The top three cheapest Platinum plans in Ohio are:
- AultCare Platinum 1650 Health Savings 500 by AultCare ($887/month)
- AultCare Platinum 500 by AultCare ($915/month)
- AultCare Platinum 1150 by AultCare ($934/month)
Platinum health plans are best for those needing frequent medical services. While they have high monthly premiums, they offer the lowest costs when using medical care. These plans are ideal for people with chronic conditions or who need regular care, as they minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Ohio for Those With Low Income
Ohio residents with incomes below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for reduced costs on Silver plans, which helps lower deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
The AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select plan without pediatric dental is the cheapest option for people earning between $14,580 and $21,870 annually. It has a maximum out-of-pocket cost of $650.
The cheapest Silver plan options & their costs include:
- AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select without Pediatric Dental (Monthly Cost/$429)
- AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select (Monthly Cost/$433)
Cost-sharing reductions in Ohio are only available through Silver plans. The individual income criteria stated here differ based on household size.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Ohio by Plan Type
In Ohio, the most common type of plan is an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization). Along with HMOs, people in Ohio can also get PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans.
The cheapest HMO plan in Ohio is the Silver Simple PCP Saver offered by Oscar, and it costs $434 per month.
- HMO: Silver Simple PCP Saver by Oscar ($434/month)
- PPO: AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental by AultCare ($429/month)
HMO plans need members to pick a main doctor and need referrals to see specialists. PPO plans give members more freedom to see doctors inside and outside the network without a referral.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Ohio by County
Health insurance prices and the availability of specific plans change depending on the county in Ohio. When we compare the cheapest plans in the biggest and smallest counties by population, we can see this difference:
- Franklin: Silver Simple PCP Saver by Oscar ($434/month)
- Vinton: Silver 8 by Molina ($457/month)
The table shows all available plans in each county in Ohio.
Cheapest health insurance plan by Ohio county
| County | Cheapest plan | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|
| Adams | Molina Silver 8 | $433 |
| Allen | Molina Silver 8 | $455 |
| Ashland | Ambetter Standard Silver | $443 |
| Ashtabula | Molina Silver 8 | $398 |
| Athens | Molina Silver 8 | $473 |
| Auglaize | Molina Silver 8 | $455 |
| Belmont | Molina Silver 8 | $468 |
| Brown | Molina Silver 8 | $433 |
| Butler | Molina Silver 8 | $433 |
| Carroll | AultCare Standard Silver Premier Select | $442 |
| Champaign | Anthem Silver Pathway 5800 | $439 |
| Clark | Anthem Silver Pathway 5800 | $439 |
| Clermont | Molina Silver 8 | $433 |
| Clinton | Molina Silver 8 | $433 |
| Columbiana | Ambetter Standard Silver | $450 |
| Coshocton | Molina Silver 8 | $468 |
| Crawford | CareSource Silver | $515 |
| Cuyahoga | Molina Silver 8 | $398 |
| Darke | Anthem Silver Pathway 5800 | $439 |
| Defiance | Molina Silver 8 | $443 |
| Delaware | Oscar Silver Simple PCP Saver | $434 |
| Erie | UHC Silver Advantage | $460 |
| Fairfield | Oscar Silver Simple PCP Saver | $434 |
| Fayette | Anthem Silver Pathway 5800 | $469 |
| Franklin | Oscar Silver Simple PCP Saver | $434 |
| Fulton | Molina Silver 8 | $443 |
| Gallia | CareSource Silver | $544 |
| Geauga | CareSource Silver | $432 |
| Greene | Anthem Silver Pathway 5800 | $439 |
| Guernsey | Molina Silver 8 | $468 |
| Hamilton | Molina Silver 8 | $433 |
| Hancock | Molina Silver 8 | $455 |
| Hardin | CareSource Silver | $498 |
| Harrison | Molina Silver 8 | $468 |
| Henry | Molina Silver 8 | $443 |
| Highland | Molina Silver 8 | $433 |
| Hocking | CareSource Silver | $510 |
| Holmes | Molina Silver 8 | $451 |
| Huron | UHC Silver Advantage | $460 |
| Jackson | Ambetter Standard Silver | $490 |
| Jefferson | Molina Silver 8 | $468 |
| Knox | Anthem Silver Pathway 5800 | $469 |
| Lake | Molina Silver 8 | $398 |
| Lawrence | Molina Silver 8 | $457 |
| Licking | Oscar Silver Simple PCP Saver | $434 |
| Logan | Anthem Silver Pathway 5800 | $469 |
| Lorain | Molina Silver 8 | $398 |
| Lucas | Molina Silver 8 | $443 |
| Madison | Oscar Silver Simple PCP Saver | $434 |
| Mahoning | Molina Silver 8 | $429 |
| Marion | CareSource Silver | $548 |
| Medina | SummaCare Silver 7000 | $414 |
| Meigs | CareSource Silver | $510 |
| Mercer | CareSource Silver | $498 |
| Miami | Anthem Silver Pathway 5800 | $439 |
| Monroe | CareSource Silver | $515 |
| Montgomery | Anthem Silver Pathway 5800 | $439 |
| Morgan | CareSource Silver | $515 |
| Morrow | Molina Silver 8 | $489 |
| Muskingum | Molina Silver 8 | $468 |
| Noble | CareSource Silver | $515 |
| Ottawa | UHC Silver Advantage | $460 |
| Paulding | Molina Silver 8 | $455 |
| Perry | Oscar Silver Simple PCP Saver | $434 |
| Pickaway | Anthem Silver Pathway 5800 | $469 |
| Pike | Molina Silver 8 | $457 |
| Portage | SummaCare Silver 7000 | $414 |
| Preble | Anthem Silver Pathway 5800 | $439 |
| Putnam | Molina Silver 8 | $455 |
| Richland | CareSource Silver | $515 |
| Ross | Molina Silver 8 | $457 |
| Sandusky | UHC Silver Advantage | $460 |
| Scioto | Molina Silver 8 | $457 |
| Seneca | UHC Silver Advantage | $460 |
| Shelby | Anthem Silver Pathway 5800 | $439 |
| Stark | AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select | $429 |
| Summit | SummaCare Silver 7000 | $414 |
| Trumbull | Molina Silver 8 | $429 |
| Tuscarawas | AultCare Standard Silver Premier Select | $494 |
| Union | Oscar Silver Simple PCP Saver | $434 |
| Van Wert | Molina Silver 8 | $455 |
| Vinton | Ambetter Standard Silver | $490 |
| Warren | Molina Silver 8 | $433 |
| Washington | CareSource Silver | $510 |
| Wayne | Molina Silver 8 | $451 |
| Williams | CareSource Silver | $449 |
| Wood | Molina Silver 8 | $443 |
| Wyandot | UHC Silver Advantage | $460 |
What to Know About Health Insurance in Ohio
We’ve analyzed all the health insurance choices in Ohio. We explore private insurance in the marketplace, which comes in different levels such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. We also discuss Medicaid and Medicare options. We aim to assist you in selecting the most suitable healthcare for you by providing clear and accurate information.
Private Health Insurance in the Ohio Marketplace
In Ohio, the time to sign up for private health insurance usually matches the federal Health Insurance Marketplace schedule, running from November 1 to December 15 every year. People can look at, compare, and sign up for health insurance plans during this period. If you miss this deadline, you might have to wait until the next open enrollment, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) because of events like getting married, having a baby, or losing other coverage. Short-term health insurance or joining your spouse’s plan could be options outside these times.
Medicaid in Ohio
Medicaid is a public healthcare program in the United States that helps low-income individuals and families get medical coverage. In Ohio, whether you can get Medicaid depends on things like how much money you make, how big your family is, and other special situations like being pregnant, having a disability, or being old. Usually, you need to have income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify.
Medicaid focuses on helping kids, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities. Each state has its own rules for who can get Medicaid. If you live in Ohio, you can apply through the state’s Medicaid website or office to see if you qualify.
Medicare in Ohio
Medicare is a health insurance program from the government mainly for folks who are 65 or older and for some younger folks with disabilities or severe kidney problems.
In Ohio, you can qualify based on your age, if you’re disabled, and other things like being a citizen or resident.
Medicare has different parts:
- Part A pays for hospital bills.
- Part B covers doctor visits.
- Part C, called Medicare Advantage, includes A, B, and often D for drugs.
- Part D helps with prescription drugs.
Also, there are Medigap plans that can add more coverage to your original Medicare.
FAQs About Best Health Insurance in Ohio
How much is health insurance in Ohio per month?
On average, a Silver health insurance plan for a 40-year-old in Ohio costs around $535 per month.
Does Ohio offer free health insurance?
Yes, Medicaid provides free healthcare coverage for families, kids below 19, and expectant mothers.
Does Ohio use the federal or a state marketplace for health insurance purchases?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) says that each state must have a place where people can buy health insurance on their own. In Ohio, the government runs this health insurance exchange.
Do you legally have to have health insurance in Ohio?
No, on December 22nd, 2017, Congress approved significant tax reform laws that included adjustments to the individual mandate.
What is the age limit for health insurance in Ohio?
Usually, you can be on your parent’s plan until you’re 26, even if you: get married, have or adopt a child, or start or leave school.
