• Requires a rate cap, enabling residents to access basic Ohio health insurance through the state-mandated, Open Enrollment Health Insurance Program.

• There is a restriction on how much insurance companies can charge Ohioans, who have a pre-existing or chronic disease (in example: cancer, diabetes, cancer and heart disease), and who opt for an individual medical policy from the private insurers through the program. 

• Consumers, in need of Ohio health insurance, and who want to take advantage of the program, have little time to lose. Once, insurers meet an undisclosed quota, they are not required to take on any other individuals, until the quota falls below the target. 

• Pre-existing medical conditions are subject to a 12-month waiting period for medical treatment. 

• Also, some insurance shoppers, who lost their medical coverage, should secure a new Ohio health policy within 63 days; otherwise, medical coverage has a 90-day waiting period.

• Individuals, who are considered Federally Eligible Individual (FEI), are entitled to a waived waiting period. Ohioans who qualify for the FEI benefits include the following criteria:

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  •  Eighteen-months of continuous medical coverage via (an employer group health insurance plan (COBRA, Medicare and Medicaid).
• • All continuation of benefit options have already been exhausted (i.e. COBRA). 
  • The previous Ohio health insurance was not terminated due to failure to pay premiums Also note that, in order for FEI’s to obtain immediate medical coverage, they must be enrolled in an open enrollment plan by the 63rd day subsequent to losing the previous health benefits. 

For additional resources pertaining to the new Ohio health insurance reform, President and licensed agent, Mike Novelli of OhioLife and Health.com  offers complimentary advice as well as medical quotes to Ohio consumers.

**Remember to obtain more than one medical quote to compare the premiums, deductibles and other out-of pocket costs.