Ohio Affordable Health Insurance
Whether or not you live in Ohio, affordable health insurance is likely a topic that you think about often. Do you know how to protect your family with affordable health insurance in OH?
Continue reading to find out how government programs and other options can help to provide affordable health insurance for Ohio residents.
Once you have finished reading the article then be sure and enter your information into our free comparison tool at the top of the page to compare cheap Ohio health insurance plans from top companies side by side online.
Living in Ohio: Affordable Health
Insurance Is A Necessity
Affordable health insurance in Ohio is an important issue. The number of people in the United States who do not have health insurance is astounding. Approximately 47 million people (16% of the population) don't have health coverage to help them pay for their healthcare needs. These people are forced to either do without the medical attention they need or to try to pay for it themselves. If these people need medical care as the result of an injury or an accident, the real possibility of being wiped out financially exists.
Ohio: Affordable Health Insurance Assistance
Offered By The Government
The number one thing that you can do to save money on your Ohio health insurance costs is to routinely compare Ohio individual health insurance quotes from multiple companies to make sure that you are getting and keeping the best deal. In the event that you are unable to obtain affordable individual health insurance in Ohio then don't worry as the Ohio State Governement has a number of programs (some in conjunction with Federal programs and initiatives) to help you find cheap OH health insurance.
Sign Up For Ohio COBRA
Health Insurance
If you have recently lost your job where you had a health insurance plan and you were working for an employer with 20 or more employees, you may be able to keep your health insurance through federal legislation referred to as COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). Under COBRA, you have the right to healthcare coverage (at group rates) for up to 18 months. In some cases, COBRA coverage may be extended for an additional 18 months (36 months in total).
COBRA health insurance coverage is also available when there has been a change in family circumstances. A person who has recently graduated from university, been widowed, or divorced may qualify for COBRA coverage and continue to receive benefits under the employer group insurance plan for up to 36 months.
If you work for a company with 20 employees, or less, you can still get affordable health insurance in Ohio. Under state law, you have the option of continuing to pay for coverage for up to six months after you have lost your job. This coverage applies to the employee and his or her eligible dependents.
(Note that Ohio COBRA health insurance coverage is typically very expensive compared to an individual health insurance plan purchased on the open market so be sure and compare your options to find the best deal).
Ohio Health Coverage
Tax Credit (HCTC)
The Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) helps to pay the cost of health insurance when someone has lost their job because the company decided to hire overseas workers or some other trade policy. If you qualify, the cost of your health insurance may be subsidized at the rate of 65% for one year. In some cases, you can get assistance for a longer period.
Early retirees (aged 55 or older) can also benefit from the HCTC. Premium assistance is offered to people who receive a pension benefit from the Pension Benefits Guaranty Corporation. 65% of their health insurance premiums will be covered until the individual qualifies for Medicare.
Ohio Medicaid / Healthy
Families Program
Medicaid provides assistance to individuals and families who are unable to afford to pay for their own heath insurance. You may qualify for assistance if you:
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Are Pregnant
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Have Minor Children Living With You
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Are Disabled
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Spend a Large Proportion of Your Income on Healthcare
Children can qualify for Medicaid coverage independently of their parents, since the income limits for the program are higher for children. For example, a family of two people earning less than $27,380.00 will qualify for coverage. If the family is made up of three people, then the limit rises to $34,340.00. A family of four earning less than $41,300.00 would be eligible.
Pregnant women can get assistance during their pregnancy and for the first two months of the baby's life. The baby may be covered for up to one year, independent of his or her mother. A single woman with no other dependents would be eligible for assistance if her income was $20,535.00 or less. In a family made up of three people (including the unborn baby), the income limit increases to $25,755.00, and for a family of four, the limit is set at $30,975.00.
Find Affordable Ohio
Health Insurance Today!
Why don't you find out more about Ohio affordable health insurance by using the tool at the top of this page? Everyone should have adequate Ohio health insurance coverage. It is just too important. Click on the tool above and you can get the information you need right away!