Cheapest Health Insurance in Ohio (2024 Plans)

Choosing a metal tier affects your insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. MedMutual offers Ohio's most affordable Catastrophic plan, and SummaCare provides the cheapest for Bronze. Meanwhile, Oscar is the top choice for Gold plans. AultCare leads with low-cost Silver and Platinum plans.

If you are looking to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, MoneyGeek analyzed the best health insurance in Ohio.

The most affordable option under the Silver tier in Ohio is the AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental offered by AultCare at just $429 per month, highlighting the Silver plan's status as the most popular choice among consumers. Those prioritizing lower monthly premiums may consider Bronze plans instead despite higher potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Costs for health insurance plans are segmented by metal tiers, correlating the monthly premiums with out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles one can expect to incur.

Here are the most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier:

• Catastrophic: Market HMO Young Adult Essentials (MedMutual) – $213 per month (Available only to those under 30 or with a qualifying medical exemption)
• Bronze: SummaCare Bronze 8000 (SummaCare) – $340 per month
• Expanded Bronze: SummaCare Bronze 9450 with 3 Free PCP Visits (SummaCare) – $354 per month
• Silver: AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental (AultCare) – $429 per month
• Gold: Gold Classic Standard (Oscar) – $481 per month
• Platinum: AultCare Platinum 1650 Health Savings 500 (AultCare) – $887 per month

For more information on finding affordable options, explore cheap health insurance plans that cater to a variety of needs and budgets.

The most affordable Silver plan in Ohio is the AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental offered by AultCare at an average monthly cost of $429.

Here are the three most economical Silver plans available in the Buckeye State:

• AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental from AultCare ($429 per month)
• AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select from AultCare ($433 per month)
• Silver Simple PCP Saver from Oscar ($434 per month)

Silver plans are ideal for individuals who anticipate needing some health care services throughout the year but are looking for a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. For those who qualify, cost-sharing reductions can lower the cost of deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. This makes Silver plans an excellent choice for moderate-income consumers looking for cost-effective health coverage while being protected against high medical costs.

Ohio's most affordable Gold tier health insurance plan is the Gold Classic Standard offered by Oscar, with a monthly cost of $481.

The three most affordable Gold health plans in Ohio are:

• Gold Classic Standard from Oscar ($481 per month)
• Clear Gold from Ambetter ($487 per month)
• Everyday Gold from Ambetter ($494 per month)

Gold plans are ideal for customers who expect frequent medical care as they offer a good balance of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. These plans typically have higher monthly premiums than Silver or Bronze plans but lower costs when you receive medical care. Gold plans can be a cost-effective choice for individuals anticipating surgeries, regular prescriptions or ongoing medical treatment.

The most affordable Bronze plan in Ohio is the SummaCare Bronze 8000, offered by SummaCare, with an average monthly cost of $340.

Introducing the three least expensive Bronze health plans in Ohio:

• SummaCare Bronze 8000 from SummaCare ($340 per month)
• SummaCare Bronze 8000 with Travel Assistance + Adult Vision Exam from SummaCare ($340 per month)
• Market HMO 9450 from MedMutual ($406 per month)

Bronze plans generally have low monthly premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs when using health care services. These plans are typically suited for young, healthy individuals who do not require frequent medical care or want insurance for worst-case scenarios. Bronze plans are also suitable for people who want to keep their monthly expenses minimal while still meeting the requirement for health coverage.

The most affordable plan within the Expanded Bronze tier in Ohio is the SummaCare Bronze 9450 with 3 Free PCP Visits offered by SummaCare at a monthly cost of $354.

The three most cost-effective Expanded Bronze plans in Ohio are:

• SummaCare Bronze 9450 with 3 Free PCP Visits from SummaCare ($354 per month)
• SummaCare Bronze 9450 with 3 Free PCP Visits + Travel Assistance + Adult Vision Exam from SummaCare ($354 per month)
• Bronze Classic PCP Saver from Oscar ($357 per month)

Expanded Bronze plans typically serve individuals who want lower monthly premiums and can handle potentially higher out-of-pocket costs for medical services. They're suitable for those who don't expect to need significant medical care or are willing to pay more at the time of service. These plans can provide a safety net for catastrophic health events while decreasing monthly costs.

Ohio's most affordable Catastrophic plan is the Market HMO Young Adult Essentials offered by MedMutual at a monthly cost of $213.

The three most competitively priced Catastrophic health plans in Ohio include the following:

• Market HMO Young Adult Essentials from MedMutual ($213 per month)
• SummaCare Value with 3 Free PCP Visits + Travel Assistance + Adult Vision Exam from SummaCare ($225 per month)
• Secure from Oscar ($229 per month)

Expanded Bronze plans cater to individuals who desire monthly premiums lower than those of higher-tier plans yet provide better benefits than the most basic coverage. They strike a balance for those willing to accept a higher out-of-pocket cost in exchange for lower monthly payments and are suitable for individuals who expect low to moderate health care use. These plans can be a fitting choice for young, healthy individuals or those who want some protection without the higher premiums of Gold or Platinum options.

The Platinum 1650 Health Savings 500 plan from AultCare stands out as the most affordable Platinum tier health plan in Ohio, with a monthly cost of $887.

The three most affordable Platinum plans in Ohio include:

• AultCare Platinum 1650 Health Savings 500 from AultCare ($887 per month)
• AultCare Platinum 500 from AultCare ($915 per month)
• AultCare Platinum 1150 from AultCare ($934 per month)

Platinum health plans are typically suited for individuals who expect to use a lot of medical services. They offer the highest monthly premiums but the lowest costs when you receive medical care. Choosing a Platinum plan can be particularly advantageous for those with chronic health conditions or who need frequent care, as they limit out-of-pocket expenses significantly.

Ohio residents earning 250% below the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans, substantially lowering deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

The AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental from AultCare is the most affordable Silver plan for those making between $14,580 to $21,870 per year, with a Maximum Out-of-Pocket cost of $650.

The most affordable Silver plan options and their costs include:

• AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental from AultCare (Monthly Cost: $429, Maximum Out-of-Pocket: $650)
• AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select from AultCare (Monthly Cost: $433, Maximum Out-of-Pocket: $650)

Cost-sharing reductions in Ohio are accessible exclusively through Silver plans. Individual income criteria specified here vary with household size.

Ohio's most popular plan type is an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization). In addition to HMOs, residents of Ohio can also find PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans available.

The most affordable HMO plan in Ohio is the Silver Simple PCP Saver from Oscar, which has a monthly cost of $434.

HMO: Silver Simple PCP Saver from Oscar ($434 per month)
PPO: AultCare Silver 7900 Premier Select No Pediatric Dental from AultCare ($429 per month)

While HMO plans require members to choose a primary care physician and get referrals to see specialists, PPO plans offer more flexibility, allowing members to see providers in and out of the network without a referral.

Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county in Ohio. Comparing the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population shows this variation:

• Franklin: Silver Simple PCP Saver from Oscar ($434 per month)
• Vinton: Silver 8 from Molina ($457 per month)

The following table shows all available plans in each county in Ohio.

Age affects health insurance rates in Ohio. For example, an 18-year-old with a Silver plan pays $400 monthly, while a 60-year-old with the same type of plan pays about $1,190. That's a $790 difference, demonstrating how costs increase with age.

Metal tiers indicate different levels of coverage and price. A Bronze plan for a 40-year-old costs around $431 monthly, while a Gold plan for someone the same age costs about $689. The difference here is $258, with the Gold plan offering more coverage but at a higher monthly price.

MoneyGeek broke down all the health insurance options available in Ohio. We look at private insurance in the marketplace with different levels like Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. We also cover Medicaid and Medicare options. Our goal is to help you choose the best health care for you by giving clear and accurate information.

The open enrollment period for private health insurance in Ohio typically aligns with the federal Health Insurance Marketplace schedule, running from November 1 to December 15 each year. During this time, residents can shop for, compare and enroll in health insurance plans. If you miss the deadline, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to life events such as marriage, childbirth or loss of other coverage. Short-term health insurance or joining a spouse's plan could be alternatives outside of these periods.

Medicaid is a public health care program designed to assist low-income individuals and families obtain medical coverage in the United States. In Ohio, eligibility for Medicaid depends on factors such as income level, family size and specific circumstances, including pregnancy, disability and age. Generally, applicants must meet income requirements at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify. Children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities are among the groups that Medicaid prioritizes. Each state has specific eligibility criteria; Ohio residents can apply through the state's Medicaid website or department to determine their eligibility.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older and some younger individuals with disabilities or end-stage renal disease. In Ohio, eligibility is based on age, disability status and other criteria such as citizenship or residency. Medicare comprises several parts: Part A covers hospital insurance, Part B covers medical insurance, and Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative that bundles A, B and often D. Part D adds prescription drug coverage. Additionally, Medigap policies can supplement original Medicare.

MoneyGeek analyzed options to identify the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Ohio and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Ohio.

You may have questions about cost and availability when looking for health insurance. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in Ohio to help you learn more.