Ohio Health Insurance

Let's face it — searching for health insurance can be a pain. You'll come up against many unfamiliar abbreviations (HMO, PPO, HSA) and terms. In Ohio, there are so many carriers and plans that you may feel overwhelmed. At Health-Insurance.org, it's our hope that the information we've gathered for you will get you on your way to finding great health care in the Buckeye State.

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Individual Medical Coverage in Ohio (OH)

When selecting a health plan for yourself or for an individual, consider the medical conditions you need covered as well as the amount of money you want to spend on deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. These factors, along with certain regulations unique to North Dakota, should lead you to a decision that best suits your needs.

• The only time that you can be denied individual health coverage is during open enrollment periods. During this time, carriers must offer either standard or basic plans.
• If you are HIPAA-eligible, you have access to standard and basic plans at all times.
• Carriers in Ohio are allowed to impose exclusion periods of up to 12 months, and to attach elimination riders your policy if you have a preexisting condition. However, exclusion periods are not allowed for basic services.
• Pregnancy can be considered a preexisting condition under Ohio law.
• Individual health plans have no limit on price. The exception is standard and basic plans.

Ohio Families and Health Insurance (OH)

Getting coverage for your family is an important, but fairly straightforward process in Ohio. Both individual and group plans (HMO, PPO, POS, HSA) are available, though there are some state laws that you should be aware of:

• Group health insurers must cover you, even if you have health problems, if you are qualified for a group plan.
• If you've recently married, had children, or adopted a child, you will be able to receive extra opportunities for health care.
• Ohio has specific regulations regarding children in certain categories (newborn, adopted, disabled). If you have a child that fits one of these conditions, check with the Ohio Dept. of Insurance to see what benefits he or she qualifies for.
• Be prepared to let insurance carriers check the past 6 months of your family members' medical history. If preexisting conditions are found, you may have to deal with an exclusion period.

Do you need health coverage in Ohio? Request a health insurance quote today!

Pre-Existing Conditions and Ohio Health Insurance

If you have a preexisting condition, such as diabetes, cancer, or osteoarthritis, you will likely encounter many difficulties when applying for health care. But don't lose hope — Ohio has regulations and resources that can help you get the coverage you need.

The first of these is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The act has set guidelines to help improve group health insurance and offer hope to those who have been unable to obtain health insurance due to preexisting conditions. These state that the only acceptable exclusions are for those preexisting conditions for which medical advice, treatment, care or diagnosis has been within six months prior to coverage. The waiting period cannot be more than 12 months and coverage must begin at that point.

A second group of Ohio state resources at your disposal are the Health Discount Plans. But be careful, because these plans are not insurance offered by an Ohio-licensed insurer and can be costly in the long run. Many of them offer a wide variety of services regardless of health conditions. It seems too good to be true and it usually turns out that way. Premiums are higher than normal and the health care provider can decide to stop participating in the discount plan for any reason, leaving you will mounting medical bills.

Getting a New or Different Health Plan in Ohio (OH)

If the circumstances in your life, such as a recent relocation to Ohio or the termination of your job, require you to switch medical plans, take into consideration the following facts when applying for new coverage:

• COBRA, or state continuation coverage — If you are leaving your current job, COBRA may allow you to remain in your employee plan for a certain amount of time.
• Conversion policies — You may be eligible to purchase a an individual plan from the same company your employer used.
• A new employer is allowed to wait up to a few months to start your health benefits
• Ohio employers do not have to provide you with health insurance. Check with your company to see what benefits you have.

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