Key Takeaways

  • Ohio Medicaid provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families
  • Ohio expanded Medicaid under the ACA, covering adults up to 138% of the federal poverty level
  • The Ohio Health Insurance Marketplace uses the federal HealthCare.gov platform
  • Ohio has a High-Risk Pool (OIHA) for individuals who cannot obtain coverage elsewhere
  • The Ohio Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects policyholders when insurers become insolvent
Last updated: January 2026

Ohio State Health Programs

Ohio provides several programs to ensure residents have access to health insurance coverage.

Ohio Medicaid

Ohio's Medicaid program covers low-income individuals and families:

Eligibility Categories

CategoryIncome Limit
ChildrenUp to 206% FPL
Pregnant WomenUp to 200% FPL
Parents/CaretakersUp to 138% FPL
Adults (Expansion)Up to 138% FPL
Aged/DisabledVarious limits

Medicaid Expansion

Ohio expanded Medicaid under the ACA:

  • Covers adults ages 19-64
  • Income up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level
  • No asset test for expansion population
  • Comprehensive benefits package

Exam Tip: Ohio is a Medicaid expansion state. Know that expansion covers adults up to 138% FPL.

Ohio Health Insurance Marketplace

Ohio uses the federally facilitated marketplace (HealthCare.gov):

Marketplace Features

FeatureDescription
PlatformHealthCare.gov
Open EnrollmentNovember 1 - January 15
Tax CreditsPremium assistance available
Plan TiersBronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum

Special Enrollment Periods

Qualify for special enrollment with:

  • Loss of other coverage
  • Marriage or divorce
  • Birth or adoption
  • Move to new coverage area

Ohio Insurance Highrisk Association (OIHA)

The OIHA provides coverage for individuals who cannot obtain standard coverage:

OIHA Eligibility

RequirementDescription
Ohio ResidentMust live in Ohio
RejectionDenied coverage by insurers
Medical ConditionConditions making insurance unavailable
Not Eligible ElsewhereCannot get Medicaid or Medicare

OIHA Coverage

Coverage ElementDescription
BenefitsComprehensive health coverage
PremiumsHigher than standard market
Pre-existingMay have waiting period

Note: ACA provisions have reduced the need for high-risk pools, but OIHA remains available.

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Ohio's CHIP program covers children in families above Medicaid limits:

CHIP Eligibility

FactorRequirement
AgeUnder 19
IncomeAbove Medicaid, up to 206% FPL
ResidencyOhio resident
Not InsuredNo access to employer coverage

Ohio Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association

Protects policyholders when insurers become insolvent:

Coverage Limits

Coverage TypeMaximum Limit
Life Insurance Death Benefit$300,000
Cash Surrender Value$100,000
Health Insurance$500,000
Annuity Present Value$250,000
Disability Income$300,000

Important Rules

  • Producers cannot use guaranty association as selling point
  • Coverage only for Ohio residents
  • Applies to licensed Ohio insurers
  • Does not cover HMOs or self-funded plans
Test Your Knowledge

What income level qualifies Ohio adults for Medicaid expansion coverage?

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Test Your Knowledge

What platform does Ohio use for its health insurance marketplace?

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Test Your Knowledge

What is the maximum death benefit coverage provided by Ohio's Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association?

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Test Your Knowledge

Who qualifies for coverage through the Ohio Insurance Highrisk Association (OIHA)?

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Test Your Knowledge

Can Ohio insurance producers use the Guaranty Association as a selling point?

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