Share this:

There are two choices for Healthcare Open Enrollment in Ohio.

 

Option 1 

Expanded Medicaid may be an option for individuals and families in Ohio with a monthly household income of 138 percent FPL or less. There is no application deadline.

 

Individuals and families in Ohio with a monthly household income of 138% FPL ($1354 per month for an individual or $2789 for a family of four) may be eligible for free or low-cost healthcare through Expanded Medicaid. Qualified Ohioans can apply for Expanded Medicaid any day of the calendar year.

 

See if you are eligible for Expanded Medicaid in Ohio and apply today.  

 

Option 2

Open Marketplace Healthcare Enrollment may be an option for individuals and families in Ohio with a household income greater than 138% FPL. The 2020 application deadline is December 15.

 

The 2020 Open Healthcare Enrollment runs from November 1 – December 15, 2019. If you do not have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source that provides qualifying health coverage, the Healthcare.gov Marketplace can help you get covered.

 

The information in this article is as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.

 

Receive our newsletter for all things Black Cincinnati!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I apply for Healthcare Open Enrollment?

 

Online

If you already have an account with the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can simply log in. If you do not have an account, you must create one.
Apply Online

 

Telephone

A customer service representative at the Health Insurance Marketplace can help you fill out an application, review your choices, and enroll in coverage by calling 1-800-318-2596. This line is open 24/7, with the exclusion of holidays.

 

In-Person Assistance

Health Insurance Marketplace assisters are available in your community who are trained to help you fill out an application and enroll. Search using your zip code to find the closest one to you.

 

Paper Application

Print, complete, and mail in a paper application. You will get eligibility results in the mail within two weeks.

 

 

Related Article: Free, low-cost, and Medicaid-eligible healthcare, pharmacy care, and health services in Cincinnati

 

What do Marketplace health insurance plans cover?

  • Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care you get without being admitted to a hospital)
  • Emergency services
  • Hospitalization (like surgery and overnight stays)
  • Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (both before and after birth)
  • Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment (this includes counseling and psychotherapy)
  • Prescription drugs
  • Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices (services and devices to help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain or recover mental and physical skills)
  • Laboratory services
  • Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
  • Pediatric services, including oral and vision care (but adult dental and vision coverage aren’t essential health benefits)

 

Can I sign up for health insurance after Open Enrollment?

If you miss the open enrollment deadline of December 15, 2019, you can enroll in the health insurance marketplace only if you qualify for the Special Enrollment Period that includes certain life events, like losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.

 

How can I save on health insurance?

Based on your estimated income, you may qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly insurance bill and extra savings on out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and co-payments.

 

If I have employer-based health insurance, can I buy insurance on the marketplace?

If you have employer-based insurance plans, you can still buy a plan through the Marketplace, but you will only pay total price if your employer’s insurance meets specific standards.  Most job-based programs meet the criteria.

 

 

Related Article: Cincinnati African American doctors that are accepting new patients

 

 

Will I get penalized for not having health insurance in 2019?

The fee no longer applies if you don’t have coverage during 2019 and leading into 2020. You don’t need an exemption to avoid the penalty. The Shared Responsibility Payment no longer applies.

 

What should basic health coverage cover?

 

Hospital Expense

Some or all the daily cost of room and board.
Routine nursing, minor medical supplies, and use of other hospital facilities.

 

Surgical Expense

Pays all or part of surgeon’s fees.

 

Physician Expense

Meets some or all the costs that do not involve surgery.
Routine visits, x-rays, and lab tests.

 

Are Medicare services a part of the Healthcare Enrollment Marketplace?

If you have Medicare, you cannot switch to Marketplace insurance, supplement your coverage with a Marketplace plan, or buy a Marketplace dental plan. Learn about Medicare and the Marketplace.

 

What documents do I need to apply for open-enrollment healthcare?

Below is a checklist of what you need to make the enrolling process as smooth as possible:

  • Information about your household size. Figure out who in your household should apply before you start your application.
  • Home and mailing addresses for everyone applying for coverage.
  • Information about everyone applying for coverage, like Social Security Numbers and birth dates.
  • The professional helping you apply if you get help completing your application.
  • Information on how you file your taxes.
  • Employer and income information for every household member (for example, from pay stubs or W-2s).
  • Your best estimate of what your household income will be in 2020. Visit HealthCare.gov/income-and household-information/how-to-report for help estimating your income.
  • Policy numbers for any current health plans covering members of your household.
  • A completed Employer Coverage Tool for every job-based plan you or someone in your household is eligible for.
  • Notices from your current plan that include your plan ID, if you have or had 2019 Marketplace coverage.
  • Document information for legal immigrants.

 

Related Article: Black Therapists and Mental Health Professionals in Cincinnati

 

 

Even if this information does not pertain to you, please forward, and share in hopes it will reach the people who need health insurance.

 

Written by: Crystal Kendrick

 

The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job posting, scholarships and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group and text VOBC to 513-270-3880.

 

Healthcare Open Enrollment photo provided by © [Minerva Studio] /Adobe Stock

Share this:

Written by Crystal Kendrick

Publisher, The Voice of Black Cincinnati