Health Insurance in Ohio

Medicaid in Ohio

Ohio expanded Medicaid under Governor John Kasich in 2014. Adults aged 19-64 with income up to 138% FPL (about $21,597 for a single person in 2026) qualify. No work requirements, no asset tests. Nearly 770,000 Ohioans are enrolled through expansion as of early 2025.

Apply through benefits.ohio.gov or your county Job and Family Services office. Enrollment is year-round.

One uncertainty to watch: Ohio's proposed 2026-2027 state budget included language that would discontinue Medicaid expansion if the federal matching rate (FMAP) drops below 90%. The federal government currently pays 90% of expansion costs. If Congress reduces that rate as part of broader budget negotiations, Ohio's expansion could be at risk. This hasn't happened yet, but it's worth monitoring.

The marketplace

For Ohioans with income above 138% FPL, the ACA marketplace through HealthCare.gov is the main option for subsidized individual coverage. Ohio has 11 carriers for 2026, down from 13 in 2025.

Premium increases averaged about 30% before subsidies for 2026, in line with the national trend. After subsidies, the impact depends on income. People under 200% FPL still have access to very affordable plans, including $0-premium Bronze options. People above the 400% FPL cliff face the full increase.

Carriers in Ohio (2026)

• CareSource is one of the largest marketplace carriers in Ohio, available in most counties. A Dayton-based nonprofit that also runs Medicaid managed care plans in the state.
• Ambetter (Centene/Buckeye Health Plan) competes on price in many Ohio counties, particularly in urban and suburban areas.
• Medical Mutual of Ohio is a legacy Ohio insurer with strong brand recognition and broad networks, especially in Northeast Ohio.
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has wide availability across the state and extensive provider networks.
• Molina Healthcare offers low-cost options in select counties.
• Oscar Health is available in the Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati markets.
• UnitedHealthcare operates in select Ohio counties.
• Other carriers include Paramount, SummaCare, and smaller regional options that vary by county.

Key cities

Columbus

Good carrier competition with CareSource, Ambetter, Anthem, Oscar, Medical Mutual, and Molina all available in Franklin County. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is a major system. Check network coverage carefully since not all carriers include all hospitals.

Cleveland

Cuyahoga County has strong competition. Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals are the two dominant systems. If you have a preference for one, verify that your plan includes it. CareSource, Medical Mutual, and Anthem all have strong Cleveland-area networks.

Cincinnati

Hamilton County has multiple carriers. UC Health, TriHealth, and Christ Hospital are key systems. CareSource is based nearby in Dayton and has a significant presence.

Dayton, Toledo, Akron

Mid-size Ohio metros generally have 4-6 carrier options. CareSource (headquartered in Dayton) is consistently available. Network breadth varies more than in the three big metros.

Rural Ohio

Appalachian and rural counties in southeastern Ohio have fewer carrier options, sometimes just two or three. CareSource and Ambetter are the most common. Provider networks are thinner, and you may need to travel for specialist care.

Estimate your subsidy

Resources

• HealthCare.gov for marketplace enrollment
• benefits.ohio.gov for Medicaid and other benefit applications
• Ohio Association of Free Clinics for free and low-cost care
• Community health centers: find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov