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Ohio's health insurance exchange marketplace offers a range of options for individuals and families to purchase affordable health insurance plans.
There are two main types of health insurance plans available on the marketplace: catastrophic plans and major medical plans.
Catastrophic plans are designed for young adults and those who are exempt from the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) requirement to have health insurance.
You can purchase catastrophic plans from companies like Ambetter, CareSource, and Buckeye Health Plan.
Major medical plans, on the other hand, offer more comprehensive coverage and are a better option for most people.
Some popular major medical plan options on the Ohio marketplace include Ambetter, CareSource, and Medical Mutual of Ohio.
These plans often include essential health benefits like doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medication coverage.
It's worth noting that the Ohio marketplace is open to residents of all ages, including children and seniors.
Insurance Options
You have 13 carriers to choose from on the Ohio Marketplace, including Ambetter, Anthem Blue Cross, and CareSource. These carriers offer a range of plans, but keep in mind that no carrier offers coverage in all counties.
Some counties have more options than others, with 28 counties offering 8 or more carrier options. On the other hand, Knox County has the least number of options, with only 2 carriers available.
Here are some examples of plans offered by CareSource:
- CareSource Marketplace Gold
- CareSource Marketplace Low Deductible Silver
- CareSource Marketplace Standard Silver
CareSource also offers enhanced diabetes plans with $0 cost for selected drugs, self-management monitors, tests, and supplies.
What Companies Offer Coverage?
Thirteen carriers offer policies on the Ohio Marketplace. These companies include Ambetter, Anthem Blue Cross, Aultcare, CareSource, Medical Mutual, Molina, Paramount, Oscar, Antidote, and SummaCare.
Some carriers, like Anthem, Paramount, and Oscar, only offer plans in selected counties. This means that if you move from one county to another, you may have to change plans.
28 counties in Ohio offer 8 or more carrier options. This is a significant number, giving you a range of choices when selecting a plan.
Ohio has 2 counties with the least number of companies offering Marketplace plans: Knox.
CareSource, Medical Mutual, and Anthem are just a few of the companies offering different plan options.
Marketplace Plans
Marketplace plans are a type of health insurance that's available to individuals and families who meet certain income requirements.
These plans are offered by private insurance companies, and you can choose from a range of metal levels, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The metal levels are based on how you and the insurance company share the cost of your healthcare.
There are 13 carriers that offer policies on the Marketplace, including Ambetter, Anthem Blue Cross, Aultcare, and CareSource. Each carrier offers different plans, so it's essential to shop around and compare prices.
Some counties in Ohio have more carrier options than others. For example, 28 counties offer 8 or more carrier options, while 2 counties, including Knox, have the least number of carriers.
Here's a breakdown of the metal levels and what you can expect from each:
- Gold plans have lower out-of-pocket costs, making them a good choice if you expect to have a lot of doctor appointments or need many prescription medicines.
- Silver plans offer cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) in addition to premium tax credits, which can help you save money on health insurance.
- Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
Some plans also offer special coverage for diabetes medications, supplies, and care, as well as healthy heart plans that cover heart-related medications, supplies, and care.
It's also worth noting that Marketplace plans cover essential health benefits, including mental health and substance use disorder services, pediatric services, including vision, and pediatric services, including dental and vision.
Remember to carefully review the plan details and prices before making a decision.
Plan Details
CareSource offers Gold and Silver Plans that include $0 cost for selected drugs, self-management monitors, tests and supplies, and select medical services like counseling and screenings.
These plans make living with diabetes easier, providing financial relief for essential expenses.
Marketplace plans are divided into metal levels of Gold, Silver, and Bronze, which determine how you and CareSource share the cost of your healthcare.
Plans
CareSource plans offer a range of benefits, including mental health and substance use disorder services, pediatric services including vision, and pediatric services including dental and vision.
Marketplace plans are separated into metal levels of Gold, Silver, and Bronze, with many members eligible for government subsidies to lower their healthcare costs.
Gold and Silver Plans offer enhanced benefits, such as $0 cost for selected drugs, $0 cost for self-management monitors, tests and supplies, and $0 cost for select medical services like counseling and screenings.
Buckeye Health Plan, a Medicaid product, delivers quality healthcare through local, community-based partners and offers no copays or coinsurance fees for defined preventive health services.
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CareSource plans have low copays, including in-network primary care or retail clinic copays, and many benefits are available before satisfying your deductible on most plans.
Our prescription drug coverage includes copays as low as $0 for generic drugs and an extensive list of brand name drugs, making it easier to manage your medication costs.
Management Programs
Our health management programs are designed to help you take control of your health. With Ambetter Health, you can get personalized help managing chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma.
The Ambetter Health mobile app is a convenient way to manage your healthcare anytime, anywhere. You can access all the features of your Online Member Account right from your smartphone.
Check your coverage, view your claims, and search for in-network care - all from the app. You can also open and share your digital Member ID Card in just a few taps, and save it to your digital wallet.
Having a digital Member ID Card is super convenient, especially if you're always on the go.
Ways to Save Money
You can significantly lower your health insurance costs by exploring financial help options. Over 70% of people who enroll in a CareSource Health Insurance Marketplace plan qualify for a government-funded subsidy that reduces the overall cost of the plan.
If you enroll, you'll find out if you qualify for these funds, which are determined by the Health Insurance Marketplace, not by CareSource. This means you can get a Marketplace plan for under $10 a month with financial help.
There are two types of financial assistance you can get: Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) and Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR). The APTC lowers your monthly premium payments based on your income level, while the CSR provides discounts on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance if you enroll in a Silver plan.
Ways to Save Money
Saving money on health insurance can be a game-changer. Four out of five customers can get a Marketplace plan for under $10 a month with financial help.
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The Health Insurance Marketplace determines eligibility for government-funded subsidies, not CareSource. Over 70% of people who enroll in a CareSource Health Insurance Marketplace plan qualify for these funds.
You can expect to see if you qualify for subsidies when you enroll. There are two ways the funds are distributed: through the Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) and the Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR).
The APTC is a tax credit based on income level that lowers monthly premium payments. This applies to any plan you enroll in, not just Silver plans.
To qualify for the CSR, you must enroll in a Silver plan. CSRs are discounts or "extra savings" that lower the amount you have to pay for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Here's a quick rundown of the subsidies:
By taking advantage of these subsidies, you can save money on your health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Pays Rewards Program
The My Health Pays Rewards Program is a great way to earn rewards for taking charge of your health.
By participating in this program, you can earn rewards for making healthy choices, such as taking charge of your health.
The program is designed to encourage you to take control of your well-being and make healthy decisions.
Optional Coverage
Optional coverage is available to complement your Ohio health insurance exchange plan.
You may also consider adding optional dental and vision coverage to your plan, as this is available for you to explore.
Dental coverage can help you save money on routine cleanings, fillings, and other dental care services.
Vision coverage can help you save money on eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
It's worth noting that these optional coverages can be tailored to fit your individual needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the health insurance exchange work?
The health insurance exchange is an online platform where you can compare and buy individual health insurance plans from various private companies, and also access financial assistance based on your income. It's a one-stop shop to find and purchase health insurance that fits your needs and budget.
What is an exchange plan in health insurance?
An exchange plan is a type of health insurance plan available through the Health Insurance Marketplace, offering affordable medical insurance options to individuals, families, and small businesses. These plans provide a range of coverage levels and prices, helping consumers find a plan that fits their needs and budget.
What is the difference between Obamacare and marketplace?
Obamacare and the Marketplace are related but distinct concepts: Obamacare refers to the Affordable Care Act, a law that expanded health insurance access, while the Marketplace is the website where individuals can shop and purchase health insurance plans under this law.
Sources
- https://ohioquotes.com/ohio-open-enrollment-for-health-insurance-exchange-plans-apply-online-a74.html
- https://www.caresource.com/plans/marketplace/
- https://www.ideastream.org/2012-05-29/ohios-health-insurance-exchange
- https://www.centene.com/products-and-services/browse-by-state/ohio.html
- https://www.ambetterhealth.com/en/oh/
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