Medical Mutual Of Ohio has been selected by the Ohio Department Of Insurance to administer and manage the “High Risk Pool.” They will manage claims, handle the application process and provide customer service support. The Federal government provided $152 million to subsidize costs that exceed premium payments collected by new enrollees. It is possible that there will be a waiting list if enrollment limits are met.

You should NOT apply for High Risk Pool coverage unless you have major health conditions

The Ohio Risk Pool and Medical Mutual of Ohio, provide affordable health insurance to Ohio residents that have major pre-existing conditions and that have previously been denied coverage. The two available plans have no annual or lifetime limits and no exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Also, out-of-pocket costs will be limited to comply with recent national health care reform.

To qualify for the Ohio High Risk Pool, some of the eligibility requirements include:

• Ohio resident at the time you apply for coverage
• Be without coverage for six months
• Have a qualifying pre-existing condition
• Not be eligible for coverage for Medicare, the Ohio Medical Assistance program, Ohio CHIP program or individual/group coverage.
• Be a citizen of the US and also reside in the United States.

Two plans are available with either a $1,500 deductible or a $2,500 deductible. Each plan includes prescription drug benefits, health and wellness coverage, office visit and prescription benefits, maternity services and emergency service protection. Network coverage is provided by Medical Mutual’s SuperMed Network, one of the largest groups of providers in the state.

Many preventive benefits are covered at 100%. Some of these coverages include routine medical exams, well child care exams, routine mammograms and pap tests and standard immunizations. Additional benefits include mental health and substance abuse coverage, home health care and maternity services. However, many non-preventive items are subject to a deductible.

Once a policy is approved, coverage will begin on the first of one of the following two months. The effective date depends upon when the application was received. Billing can be monthly, and at any time, a policyholder can cancel coverage. When applying for coverage, a check or money order must be submitted for the first monthly premium, along with the completed application.

Helpful links:

Plan Information: http://www.ohiohighriskpool.com/compare-plans.aspx

Provider Directory: http://www.ohiohighriskpool.com/provider-directory.aspx

Apply For Risk Pool Coverage: http://www.ohiohighriskpool.com/get-a-quote.aspx

If you do not have major health conditions, then you should NOT attempt to apply for this type of coverage. Instead, you should visit Ohioquotes.com and click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page to review your options. Your personal information will not be shared with any other person or company. You may also click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of this page.

Ohio Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are one of the most popular policy options that will reduce your health insurance rates in 2011. Preventive benefits are always provided with no deductible, coinsurance or waiting period. And “Network repricing” can substantially reduce your Ohio HSA out-of-pocket costs on items that are subject to a deductible.

Ohioquotes.com is the state’s premier resource for Ohio Health Savings Account rates and coverage information. We allow you to easily view and compare all of the HSA plans from the top carriers. But more importantly, with 30 years of experience, we’ll research all of your options and present you with the choices that fit within your budget.

A Health Savings Account is a combination of a high-deductible insurance policy with a tax-favored savings plan. Deposits into the savings portion can be accumulated and used to pay the deductible (when needed) and other qualified medical, dental and vision expenses. Contributions are tax-deductible and withdraws for qualified expenses are not subject to taxes. All money that accumulates in the account can be withdrawn at any time, and unused funds at the end of the year will not be lost.

Not everyone needs an Ohio HSA, and HSA rates will vary greatly, depending on which part of the state you reside. But, typically, the most competitive rates are offered by Medical Mutual, UnitedHealthOne and Anthem Blue Cross. Humana, Aetna, Celtic and Assurant are reputable companies, but generally feature higher rates.

Medical Mutual and Aetna have an “embedded deductible,” which is a deductible on each person (usually capped at two). UnitedHealthCare and Anthem have an “aggregate deductible, which is a large family deductible that must be met before most benefits are paid. Each type of deductible has its own merits and we’ll be happy to review the differences and what effect they will have on your specific situation.

For additional information on the 2011 Ohio HSA plans, please call us at (888) 513 6446. Or, to get started before you call, and view your options, click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page. We’ll be happy to help review your options.

Beware of Ohio medical insurance scams and discount plans. Fraudulent and deceptive medical coverage in Ohio seems to be increasing, as many Ohioans are out of work or without medical coverage. These scams come under the disguise and description of providing “real health insurance benefits,” when typically, they are nothing more than cheap discount plans.

Recently, many state insurance departments in the US have been cracking down on these sham companies, and in some instances, seizing property and closing them down. Unlicensed discount prescription cards and fraudulent claims are two of the most common misrepresentations.

Occasionally, an Ohio medical discount plan may be helpful, especially if you are uninsurable and on an extremely tight budget. But these plans are NOT health insurance. Usually, you have to pay your medical bills in advance and wait for reimbursement. And sometimes, you’re just receiving a list of providers that may offer you a small discount on their services.

Common Warning Signs Of Medical Insurance Scams:

• You are required to pay an application fee of $50 or more.
• Mysteriously, you can’t seem to get any information sent to you in the mail. The information is available online or someone has to stop by your residence to deliver it.
• You don’t recognize the name of the company offering coverage or there are multiple companies offering different converges under one plan.
• You are asked to provide credit card or checking account information over the phone.
• Your doctor and dentist have never heard of the company or are not familiar with them.

Most of the time, these types of “discount plans” end up costing you more in premiums than the actual coverage you are about to receive. The “negotiated discounts are often available to you without paying for this type of plan. And if you qualify for standard Ohio medical insurance, the benefits will far outweigh the “discount plan” benefits and you’ll likely pay less too!

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is constantly monitoring questionable companies that attempt to defraud the consumer through deceptive and unfair business practices. They continuously provide information to the public and manage a secure online database that is utilized by criminal and civil enforcement agencies in the US. If you would like to contact the FTC, we’ll provide current contact information.

At Ohioquotes.com, we only represent the reputable major medical insurance companies. No “discount plans” are ever used. In fact, currently, we do not use “limited benefit” plans in our quote engine software. Our rates and plan information are updated daily to ensure your information is accurate and reliable. When you click on the “get Instant Quote” button, you will only view options from the top Ohio health insurers.

2011 Ohio Health Savings Account (HSA) limits will remain unchanged due to the low cost of living increase. The maximum 2011 Ohio HSA contribution will be $3,050 for individuals and $6,150 for families. An additional annual “catch up” contribution of $1,000 is available to persons over the age of 55 and not currently enrolled in Medicare.

To qualify for an Ohio HSA, you must have a “High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP),” which is available from most of the large insurers, such as Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, UnitedHealthCare, Medical Mutual, Humana, Assurant and Celtic. The HDHP must have a minimum annual deductible of $1,200 for single coverage and $2,400 for family coverage. The annual maximum out-of-pocket expense allowed is $5,950 for single HSA plans and $11,900 for family HSA plans.

Any contributions made by an employer count towards your contribution limit. 2011 contributions for Ohio HSA plans can be made until April 15, 2012.

An Ohio HSA plan is an extremely attractive alternative to traditional health care. Rates are generally substantially less than a comparable policy and preventive benefits are provided at 100% coverage with no copays, deductibles or waiting periods. This type of coverage allows you to pay for your current medical expenses and save for future health care expenses on a tax-free basis.

Network-negotiated discounts by the health care provider also will reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Office visits, prescriptions, hospital expenses, lab tests and x-rays will be “repriced” to a lower amount. Also, most HSAs offer a “0% coinsurance” option that further reduces your cash outlay. And lifetime caps have been removed, so you will never have to worry about a chronic condition that continues for many years.

Ohioquotes.com is the premier trusted resource for affordable Ohio Health Savings Accounts. We carefully review all of the available HSA options offered by the major health insurers in the state and only recommend the specific plans that will provide the coverage you need at a rate that meets your budget concerns. In many situations, an HSA will not be suitable for you and we will explain why and also discuss alternatives. And of course, we”re located here in Ohio, unlike most other websites.

To easily view, compare or apply for Ohio HSA coverage, simply click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page. Or, you can call us at (888) 513 6446. I also have an HSA (myself, wife and two children) and I’ll be happy to review your options and provide an unbiased recommendation.

As a condition for enrollment at Ohio State University (OSU), students are required to be covered under a qualified health insurance plan. This requirement applies to undergraduate students enrolled for six or more eligible credit hours (five or more eligible credit hours for graduate and professional students). All international students are required to carry health insurance coverage regardless of the number of credit hours the student is enrolled in.

OSU student health insurance rates for 2010-2011 are listed below. These rates are “per semester” and are for the comprehensive student health plan for domestic students.

Student  $815

Student & Spouse  $2387

Student & Children  $2420

Student & Family  $3267

The OSU comprehensive student health plan is the most popular option. The benefit package was recommended by the Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees. The coverage is similar to most student plans with major medical coverages provided along with some office visit, prescription and preventive benefits. OSU Network providers are used in the Columbus area while the Beechstreet Network is utilized outside of Franklin County.

Dental coverage is provided by Delta Dental of Ohio while one annual eye exam is covered and subject to a small $15 copay, with no Network restrictions, assuming a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist is used. Additional vision benefits are provided including an allowance for prescription glasses or contact lens.

Ohioquotes.com is the premier resource for affordable student health insurance plans in Ohio. To instantly view, compare or apply online for health care coverage, simply click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page. Your personal information is never shared with any other person or company.

It is also important to note that Ohioquotes.com does not represent and is not affiliated with the OSU student health insurance program. However, we feel the coverage that is offered is very good and the rate is competitive. Specific questions regarding OSU student plan rates, coverage, eligibility requirements and enrollment details should be directed to the Ohio State Student Health Insurance Program.