Ohio Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in Ohio

Ohio expanded Medicaid in 2013 through executive action by Governor John Kasich, bypassing a legislature that had not acted on expansion. Ohio uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace. Ohio has a relatively competitive marketplace in its metro areas (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati) but more limited options in rural areas.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Ohio

Marketplace Enrollment in Ohio

Ohio residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov (Federal). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace).

Average Premiums by City in Ohio

Medicaid in Ohio

Ohio Medicaid expanded in 2014 following executive action in 2013. Adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level are eligible.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in Ohio

Healthy Start / Healthy Families covers children in Ohio up to 206% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes Ohio Unique

Ohio's Medicaid expansion by Governor Kasich's executive action — using the state's Controlling Board to approve the expansion funding over legislative opposition — was a landmark example of executive action on healthcare coverage. Ohio's expansion covered over 700,000 previously uninsured Ohioans and was upheld despite legislative challenges.

ACA Subsidies: What Ohio Residents Should Know

The enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. For 2026, premium tax credits follow the original ACA rules: there is no credit above 400% (the “subsidy cliff”), and enrollees are expected to pay up to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. House in January 2026 but has not become law, so 2027 plans are being priced and subsidized under the same rules unless Congress acts.

Molina and CareSource Exit Ohio for 2027

Ohio had 11 marketplace insurers for 2026. For 2027, Molina Healthcare and CareSource Ohio are leaving and AmeriHealth Caritas is entering, leaving at least nine carriers. Proposed full-price changes:

CareSource and Molina were among the lower-priced options in many Ohio counties, so their departure can shift which plan is the benchmark in your area — and therefore the size of your credit. Re-check your net premium even if you weren’t with either insurer.

What Ohioans Paid in 2026

About 470,000 Ohioans enrolled for 2026 after an average 19.8% full-price increase. More than 80% received premium tax credits averaging about $523 a month, for an average net premium of about $233 a month — higher than in many states because Ohio’s benchmark premiums are relatively low, which also keeps credits smaller. 17% paid under $10 a month.

Open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027; enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage. Ohio’s Medicaid expansion adults also face the federal work and reporting requirements beginning December 31, 2026, and six-month eligibility checks from January 2027.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in Ohio

Ohio Medicaid covers low-income adults. Metro Ohio residents (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati) benefit from competitive insurer options. ACA subsidies are available for incomes 100-400% of the federal poverty level. Rural Ohio residents may have fewer plan choices — comparing all available options is important.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which insurers are leaving the Ohio marketplace for 2027?

Molina Healthcare and CareSource Ohio are exiting at the end of 2026, and AmeriHealth Caritas is joining. At least nine insurers will offer 2027 plans, with a proposed semi-weighted average increase of about 10.7% before subsidies.

Why is the average net premium higher in Ohio than other states?

Ohio’s benchmark Silver premiums are relatively low, so premium tax credits are smaller. In 2026 the average net premium for subsidized Ohio enrollees was about $233 a month.

When is open enrollment in Ohio for 2027?

November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official HealthCare.gov (Federal) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.