Best Health Insurance in Ohio (2026)

Best Health Insurance in Ohio

Ohio’s ACA Marketplace only includes HMO plans, so the biggest differences between insurers are price, plan quality, customer experience and county availability. SummaCare is the best health insurance company in Ohio in our analysis, with the lowest average Silver premium at $546 per month for a 40-year-old and a 4-star CMS Quality Rating System (QRS) score. Anthem costs $89 more per month at $635 but has the lowest claims denial rate at 8.3% and is available statewide. Ambetter is the second-cheapest Ohio health insurance provider at $602 per month on average and serves 72 of Ohio’s 88 counties, but its 3-star QRS rating trails SummaCare, MedMutual and Paramount.

Higher premiums don't always mean weaker value. Paramount has the highest average Silver premium among the five top-rated insurers at $727 per month, $181 more than SummaCare, but its 14.2% denial rate is the second lowest in our analysis. Availability also varies by county, though nearly every Ohio county has at least four Marketplace insurers for 2026.


SummaCare	HMO	$546	5.0	4.0	4.3	4.6
Anthem	HMO	$635	4.6	5.0	3.7	4.5
Ambetter	HMO	$602	4.7	4.3	3.7	4.4
MedMutual	HMO	$692	4.3	4.6	4.3	4.4
Paramount	HMO	$727	4.3	4.7	4.3	4.4

* Average monthly premium is based on Silver plans for 40-year-olds. Your actual rate will vary based on your age, location and provider.

* Overall MoneyGeek scores are based on a weighted average of affordability (50%), customer experience (30%) and plan quality (20%).

SummaCare

MoneyGeek Rating

4.6/ 5

5/5Affordability

4/5Customer Experience

4.3/5Plan Quality

Plan Types
HMO
Avg. Monthly Premium
$546
Avg. Denial Rate
26.1%
Avg. QRS Score
4.0

pros
- Lowest Silver HMO premium among reviewed providers
- Below-average consumer complaints
- Above-average plan quality rating
cons
- Highest denial rate in Ohio
- Service area limited to four northern Ohio counties
SummaCare is the most affordable health insurance provider in Ohio for a 40-year-old, with Silver HMO plans averaging $546 per month. That's $102 below the $648 statewide Silver average and $89 less per month than Anthem, the second-ranked insurer in our analysis. SummaCare also has a low 0.16 NAIC complaint index and an above-average 4.0 QRS rating.

The tradeoff is claims experience and availability. SummaCare’s 26.1% denial rate is the highest among the providers we reviewed, compared with the lowest of 8.3% for Anthem. Individual Marketplace coverage is also limited to Summit, Stark, Medina and Portage counties. SummaCare is best for shoppers in its service area who prioritize lower premiums and plan quality, while those prioritizing a lower denial rate should compare Anthem.

Anthem

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

4.6/5Affordability

5/5Customer Experience

3.7/5Plan Quality

Plan Types
HMO
Avg. Monthly Premium
$635
Avg. Denial Rate
8.3%
Avg. QRS Score
3.0

pros
- Statewide availability
- Lowest claim denial rate
- Below-average consumer complaints
- HSA-eligible Bronze plans
cons
- Below-average plan quality ratings
Anthem health insurance is available across all Ohio counties and the company has an 8.3% denial rate, the lowest among the insurers we reviewed. Its 0.21 NAIC complaint index is also well below the industry baseline of 1.0.

For a 40-year-old, Anthem averages $470 per month for a Bronze HMO, $635 for Silver and $830 for Gold. HSA-eligible Bronze plans are also available. But Anthem’s 3.0 QRS rating trails SummaCare, MedMutual and Paramount, which each average 4.0.

Ambetter

MoneyGeek Rating

4.4/ 5

4.7/5Affordability

4.3/5Customer Experience

3.7/5Plan Quality

Plan Types
HMO
Avg. Monthly Premium
$602
Avg. Denial Rate
19.5%
Avg. QRS Score
3.0

pros
- Competitive monthly premiums
- HSA-eligible Bronze plans
- Wide state availability
cons
- Above-average consumer complaints
- Below-average QRS score
Ambetter has relatively low premiums with broad availability, serving 72 of the Ohio's 88 counties through Buckeye Health Plan. Its Silver HMO plans average $602 per month for a 40-year-old, 7% below the $648 statewide average. That's $56 more than SummaCare but $33 less than Anthem. Bronze plans average $499 per month, with HSA-eligible options available.

Its 0.46 NAIC complaint ratio is under the national baseline of 1.0 but is the highest in the state, while its 3.0 QRS rating is below the state average. Its 19.5% denial rate is roughly on par with the state average of 18.7%.

MedMutual

MoneyGeek Rating

4.4/ 5

4.3/5Affordability

4.6/5Customer Experience

4.3/5Plan Quality

Plan Types
HMO
Avg. Monthly Premium
$692
Avg. Denial Rate
15.1%
Avg. QRS Score
4.0

pros
- Broad state availability
- Strong QRS plan quality ratings
- Below-average customer complaints
- Below-average denial rate
cons
- Third-highest premiums in the state
Ohio’s largest health insurer, MedMutual, serves more than 1.2 million members, holds NCQA accreditation and has operated in the state since 1934. MedMutual Marketplace plans are available across much of Ohio, including the Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo and Dayton regions, but availability varies by county and ZIP code. It has an NAIC complaint index of 0.2, well below the national baseline of 1.0. It also ties SummaCare and Paramount for the highest QRS rating in our analysis at 4.0, with a 4.0 rating for Medical Care, 5.0 for Member Experience and 4.0 for Plan Administration.

For a 40-year-old, MedMutual Silver HMO plans average $692 per month, $146 more than SummaCare and $90 more than Ambetter. Its Silver plans have an average deductible of $2,861 and an average out-of-pocket maximum of $5,641. MedMutual’s 15.1% denial rate is below the state average of 18.7%. Though it comes at a higher premium, it's a reliable option for Ohioans seeking an established insurer with few complaints and above-average plan quality.

Paramount

MoneyGeek Rating

4.4/ 5

4.3/5Affordability

4.7/5Customer Experience

4.3/5Plan Quality

Plan Types
HMO
Avg. Monthly Premium
$727
Avg. Denial Rate
14.2%
Avg. QRS Score
4.0

pros
- Zero NAIC complaints
- Second-lowest denial rate in the state
- Tied for highest QRS plan quality rating
cons
- Highest monthly premiums in our review
- Availability limited to northwest Ohio
Paramount has some of the strongest service and quality metrics in our Ohio health insurance analysis, but it also has the highest average Silver premiums in the state. Its 14.2% denial rate is second only to Anthem’s 8.3%, and its 4.0 QRS rating ties SummaCare and MedMutual for the highest in our review. Paramount also had no complaints reported to state insurance departments in the NAIC data used for our review.

For a 40-year-old, Paramount Silver HMO plans average $727 per month, $181 more than SummaCare and $92 more than Anthem. Silver plans have an average deductible of $3,849 and out-of-pocket maximum of $5,094. Coverage is limited to 11 northwest Ohio counties, including Lucas, Wood and Erie. Paramount is most relevant for shoppers in its service area who value its lower denial and complaint rates enough to accept a higher monthly premium.

Compare Health Insurance Plans in Ohio

Use the tool below to compare Ohio health insurance plans by metal level, age, HSA eligibility and provider:

Data filtered by:


Ambetter	Standard Silver	$588	$3,100	$5,657
Ambetter	Complete Silver	$598	$3,264	$5,657
Ambetter	Standard Silver + Vision + Adult Dental	$606	$3,100	$5,657
Ambetter	Complete Silver + Vision + Adult Dental	$616	$3,264	$5,657

Your Next Step:

Get your real quotes from trusted insurance providers.

How to Find the Best Health Insurance in Ohio

Finding the best health insurance in Ohio involves balancing what you pay each month with what you expect to spend when you need care. Comparing plan networks, coverage levels, total out-of-pocket costs and available financial assistance can help you choose coverage that suits your healthcare needs and budget.

Match your budget to your health care needs
Compare both monthly premiums and what you'll pay when you receive care. Among the top Ohio health insurance companies in our analysis, average Silver premiums for a 40-year-old range from $546 with SummaCare to $727 with Paramount, a $181 monthly difference. If you expect frequent medical care, also compare deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums rather than choosing the lowest-premium insurer automatically.

If you use health care regularly, paying a higher premium for a lower deductible can reduce your total costs. If you're healthy, a lower-premium plan with a higher deductible can save you money.
Verify your doctors and medications are covered
Ohio's ACA Marketplace includes HMO plans only, so provider are networks particularly important. Confirm that your doctors, hospitals and specialists are in a plan's network and check the plan's prescription drug formulary before enrolling.
Compare metal tiers
Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but the highest deductibles. Gold and Platinum plans cost more each month but require less out of pocket when you receive care. Silver plans provide a middle ground. Compare your expected annual premium, deductible and out-of-pocket costs instead of focusing on monthly premiums alone.
Check if you qualify for financial assistance
Many Ohio residents qualify for premium tax credits that lower monthly costs. Households with incomes up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level ($39,900 for a single adult) also qualify for cost-sharing reductions that lower deductibles and copays on Silver plans. Check your eligibility through HealthCare.gov before comparing premiums.

If you qualify, Ohio Medicaid provides free or low-cost coverage for eligible adults and families. Adults age 65 and older can also compare Medicare Advantage plans, which bundle medical and prescription drug coverage, or Medicare Supplement plans, which help cover out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Ohio?

Health insurance costs in Ohio rise with both age and metal tier. For a 40-year-old, HMO plans average $472 per month for Bronze plans, $648 for Silver and $760 for Gold. Moving from Bronze to Silver adds $176 per month on average, while Gold costs $288 more than Bronze.

Age creates an even larger pricing difference. Average Silver premiums rise from $519 per month at age 26 to $906 at 50 and $1,377 at 60. A 60-year-old pays $858 more per month for Silver plans than a 26-year-old, about 2.7 times as much. Keep in mind that these cost figures are unsubsidized statewide averages. Your actual premiums will vary by insurer and location, and premium tax credits can reduce what eligible Marketplace shoppers pay.


18	$337	$363	$463	$543
26	$378	$407	$519	$609
40	$472	$508	$648	$760
50	$660	$710	$906	$1,061
60	$1,003	$1,079	$1,377	$1,613

* Rates shown are statewide averages for HMO plans in Ohio. Rates vary by age, insurer and location.

Best Medicare Insurance in Ohio

If you're 65 or older or qualify because of a disability, you may have more coverage options than ACA Marketplace plans. In Ohio, Medicare Advantage plans combine hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage into one plan, while Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help pay out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover.

To help you compare your options, MoneyGeek analyzed Medicare plans available in Ohio and identified the best choices across key coverage types:

Ohio Health Insurance Resources

Ohio residents can access state and federal programs for health coverage assistance, dispute resolution and health care connections.

HealthCare.gov: Ohio uses the federal Marketplace for health insurance enrollment. Shop ACA Marketplace plans, compare coverage options, estimate premium subsidies and enroll in health insurance.
Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI): Learn about health insurance regulations, compare coverage options, file consumer complaints and verify that insurers are licensed in Ohio.
Ohio Department of Medicaid: Check Medicaid eligibility, apply for coverage and learn about benefits and managed care plans.
Ohio Benefits: Apply online for Medicaid and other state assistance programs, manage your benefits and submit required documentation.
Ohio Department of Health: Find public health information, preventive care resources and state health programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ohio does not require residents to have health insurance and has no penalty for going uninsured. Residents can still access federal subsidies through HealthCare.gov.

Ohio's open enrollment period for 2026 ACA Marketplace coverage ran from November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026. Outside open enrollment, you need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in or change Marketplace plans.

Ohio residents who meet income requirements can get free health insurance through Medicaid. Others may qualify for federal Marketplace subsidies through HealthCare.gov that reduce their monthly premiums, potentially to $0 depending on household income, location and the plans available.

Yes. Ohio's ACA marketplace offers HMO plans only, and HMOs require a referral from your primary care doctor before seeing a specialist. PPO and EPO plans aren't available through Ohio's marketplace. Out-of-network care isn't covered except in emergencies.

MoneyGeek reviewed every health insurance plan available on Ohio's Health Insurance Marketplace for the 2026 enrollment period. Health insurance plan and provider data was updated using the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Marketplace data for the 2026 plan year.

Our Scoring System

We evaluated each insurer using a weighted scoring methodology that balances affordability, customer experience and plan quality. Each company received an overall MoneyGeek Score on a five-point scale based on the following factors:

Affordability (50%): We analyzed average monthly premiums across all Marketplace plans from each insurer in Ohio to identify the companies providing the best overall value.
Customer Experience (30%):
- NAIC Complaint Index (15%): Measures the number of consumer complaints filed against an insurer relative to its market share, with 1.0 as the industry baseline. Lower complaint indices received higher scores.
- Marketplace Claims Denial Rate (15%): Based on CMS Marketplace transparency data. Insurers with lower claims denial rates received higher scores.
Plan Quality (20%): Based on the CMS Quality Rating System (QRS), which evaluates Marketplace health plans on clinical quality, member experience and plan administration. Higher-rated plans received higher scores.

Pricing shows 40-year-old rates unless stated otherwise. We analyzed all metal tiers in the state: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold.

About Patrick Bryant

Patrick Bryant is the Vertical Lead for Health Insurance at MoneyGeek, where he researches insurance products, writes consumer guides and maintains the scoring methodologies behind our provider comparisons. He analyzed more than 100 health insurance carriers across all 50 U.S. states and multiple policy types. His methodologies are reviewed quarterly to reflect current market conditions and carrier data.

Read Full Bio »

Best Health Insurance in Ohio (2026)

Best Health Insurance in Ohio

SummaCare

Anthem

Ambetter

MedMutual

Paramount

Compare Health Insurance Plans in Ohio

Your Next Step:

How to Find the Best Health Insurance in Ohio

Match your budget to your health care needs

Verify your doctors and medications are covered

Compare metal tiers

Check if you qualify for financial assistance

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Ohio?

Best Medicare Insurance in Ohio

Ohio Health Insurance Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is health insurance required in Ohio?

When is open enrollment in Ohio?

Can you get free health insurance in Ohio?

Does Ohio health insurance require referrals to see a specialist?

Related Pages

About Patrick Bryant