Dec. 15 deadline for January coverage
COLUMBUS — Ohioans who buy health insurance from CareSource or Molina Healthcare of Ohio through HealthCare.gov will need a plan from another insurer to keep marketplace coverage in 2027. Both companies are leaving Ohio’s marketplace, and Dec. 15 is the deadline to choose a plan for coverage starting Jan. 1.
The departures affect about 54,000 Ohioans with marketplace coverage through the two insurers, the Journal-News reported, citing the Ohio Department of Insurance.
CareSource says its current Ohio marketplace plans will remain in effect through Dec. 31 for members who keep their premiums paid. The company is also ending its Ohio individual plans sold outside the marketplace. Its Medicaid, Medicare and MyCare Ohio plans are separate from the withdrawal.
What to check before switching
The federal marketplace may match members with a plan from another insurer if they do not choose one. Members can check their marketplace notice or sign in to HealthCare.gov to see whether they were matched.
Before choosing a plan, shoppers can compare monthly premiums and deductibles, check whether their doctors and hospitals are in the plan’s network and see whether their prescriptions are covered.
The Ohio Department of Insurance lists insurers by county. Seven are listed for Lorain County, including Medical Mutual, Buckeye Community Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare. Ohioans can enter their ZIP code at HealthCare.gov to see the plans and prices available to them.
Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15. Plans chosen from Dec. 16 through Jan. 15 start Feb. 1 if the first premium is paid. Residents can call 800-318-2596 for enrollment help or find local assistance through HealthCare.gov.