Ohio Health Insurance – Considerations to Choose the Right Plan

Ohio health insurance is in the limelight like never before, with the state’s residents divided in their views on Obamacare. Ohio is facing a high unemployment rate of 8.8 percent, says a recent Quinnipiac University poll. At the same time, the average cost of health insurance Ohio premiums per employee is increasing according a study by Aon Hewitt, the human resource consulting and outsourcing subsidiary of Aon Corp, attributing this to the slow levels of hiring resulting in an older work force that is more susceptible to costly medical care. Therefore Ohio residents who need to purchase health insurance on their own should be thinking seriously about their health insurance priorities Health Insurance Ohio - Prioritize when Choosing a Plan•    You must have a health insurance Ohio plan to meet your specific needs. For instance, growing children have healthcare needs that are different from those of adults such as a plan that offers well-child and other preventive care, including dental care. Similarly, young, married women may want a plan that provides maternity coverage. So make sure the policy you buy takes care of your ‘must-haves’.•    Think about your budget. A health plan with a high monthly premium would be a good choice only if you can afford it.  The deductible is the total amount that the insured person has to pay out of pocket, before plan benefits kick in. High-deductible, low premium plans are ideal if you are willing to pay more for routine health care, are an early retiree waiting for Medicare to kick in, or looking for a plan that protects you from unexpected illnesses or accidents at a low cost. High deductible plans are usually combined with a health savings account that helps you save tax dollars, while setting aside money to pay for health care. Choose an Ohio health insurance plan that covers your basic expenses such as co-pays (what you pay for an office visit or prescriptions) and co-insurance (what you pay for hospitalizations after you meet your deductible).•    Make sure your primary care physician and your specialist doctors are in the network that your plan offers. Otherwise you could end up paying more to see them.•    Choose a health insurance Ohio plan with an annual limit which is the yearly cap on the dollar amount you have to pay out-of-pocket. You would have to pay for all your care up to this cap. New reform has raised the cap to an unlimited amount for a plan year beginning on or after September 23, 2011. With some Ohio health insurance plans, you may still have to make copays which are the set fees you pay whenever you visit the doctor. •    Generic and brand name prescription drugs should be covered in your Ohio health plan. Get Professional Guidance While the Internet is a rich source of information on various types of health insurance Ohio plans and what you need to consider before enrolling in one, the best way to go about understanding your options is to get professional guidance. Contact an experienced licensed independent health insurance broker who specializes in health insurance and can guide you in choosing a plan that covers your needs and stays within your budget.