Best Health Insurance in Ohio (2026)

Best Health Insurance in Ohio

Ohio’s ACA Marketplace only includes HMO plans. We analyzed all insurers and plans across the state to identify the best options based on affordability, customer experience and plan quality.

SummaCare is the overall best health insurance company in Ohio, combining the lowest average Silver premium at $546 per month with a 4.0 CMS Quality Rating System (QRS) rating. Ambetter offers a balance of affordability and service, with Silver plans averaging $602 per month. Anthem is best for customer experience and has the lowest claim denial rate in our review at 8.3%, along with a low NAIC complaint index of 0.21. MedMutual and Paramount provide above-average plan quality and customer experience but charge higher premiums.

Availability 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 has the lowest Silver HMO premium among Ohio health insurers we reviewed and the fewest consumer complaints. A 40-year-old pays $546 per month, which is $102 less than the state average of $648. SummaCare's 0.16 NAIC complaint ratio is the lowest on this list, and its 4.0 QRS rating reflects above-average plan quality.

SummaCare's 26.1% denial rate is the highest among the providers we reviewed, a meaningful tradeoff if you anticipate frequent claims or specialist referrals. Individual plan enrollment is also limited to four northern Ohio counties: Summit, Stark, Medina and Portage. If you're outside that service area, Anthem and Paramount are worth comparing at $635 and $727 per month.

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 serves all counties in Ohio and has the lowest claim denial rate in our analysis at 8.3%, compared with 14.2% for the next-lowest provider, Paramount. Its NAIC complaint index of 0.21 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
A Centene subsidiary operating through Buckeye Health Plan, Ambetter is available through the federal Marketplace in 72 of Ohio's 88 counties. Ambetter’s Silver HMO plans average $602 per month for a 40-year-old in Ohio, below the $648 state average. 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 higher than many competitors in the state, while its 3.0 QRS rating is below 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 for Medical Care, 5.0 for Member Experience and 4.0 for Plan Adminstration.

For a 40-year-old, Silver HMO plans cost an average of $692 per month, the third-highest rate in the state. 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 an NAIC complaint index of 0.0, meaning no complaints were reported to state insurance departments. It also ties SummaCare and MedMutual for the highest QRS plan quality rating in our analysis at 4.0 out of 5.0.

For a 40-year-old, Paramount’s Silver HMO plans average $727 per month, the highest premium in the state. Its Silver plans have an average deductible of $3,849 and an average out-of-pocket maximum of $5,094. Its 14.2% denial rate is the second lowest in the group, behind Anthem at 8.3%.

Paramount is only available in 11 northwest Ohio counties, including Lucas, Wood, Erie and surrounding areas. It's a strong option if you prioritize low complaint and denial rates, but you should confirm availability in your county.

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
Think about how often you expect to visit the doctor, fill prescriptions or need medical care over the year. 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
Before enrolling, confirm that your preferred doctors, hospitals and specialists are in the plan's network. Also check the plan's prescription drug formulary to make sure your medications are covered and understand what you'll pay.
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?

Ohio's ACA marketplace only has HMO plans, so health insurance premiums vary by company, age, county and metal tier rather than network structure. For 40-year-olds, Bronze HMO plans average $472 per month, Silver plans average $648 and Gold averages $760. Costs rise sharply with age. A 60-year-old pays $1,003 per month for Bronze and $1,377 for Silver, more than double what a 26-year-old pays for the same tier.


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 for 2026 coverage ran November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026. Buyers with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for premium tax credits through HealthCare.gov.

Ohio residents who meet income requirements can get free health insurance through Medicaid. Others may qualify for subsidies through Ohio's marketplace that reduce or eliminate monthly premiums.

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.

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Best Health Insurance in Ohio (2026)