“Which health insurance plan do you have?” That is the question I’m asked about every few weeks. And I certainly understand why clients want to know. After all, I can choose any plan with any Ohio health insurance company.

Well…here’s our situation. I’m 51, my wife is 49 and we have two children (14 and 13). Fortunately, we are a very healthy family with no existing conditions or ongoing medications. We live in Springboro, which is located between Dayton and Cincinnati.

The perfect fit for us is the Ohio Anthem Lumenos Health Savings Account (HSA). An HSA works best when there are not many (or any) office visits or prescriptions and insuring against the catastrophic loss is the most important objective. Preventative coverages (physicals, OBGYN visits, mammograms and pap tests) are not subject to our $6,000 family deductible. Also, with an Ohio HSA, covered out of pocket expenses that we pay (such as non-preventative office visits) receive a “negotiated discount” since Anthem enjoys exceptional leverage in negotiating fees with Network providers.

We also contribute tax-deductible funds into our HSA that are used to pay for qualified medical, dental and vision expenses. Because we have enjoyed good health, the fund balance in our HSA continues to grow each year. And generally, premiums on an HSA don’t increases as rapidly as a typical copay plan.

An Anthem HSA is not the best policy for everyone. For us it is. For you? Maybe not. However, if I research different Ohio health insurance plans for you, I will only recommend a plan (or plans) that I would want for my own family.

Affordable Cincinnati health insurance insurance plans are available from major Ohio health companies such as Anthem, Aetna, United HealthCare and Medical Mutual. In fact, health insurance rates in the Cincinnati area are lower than most other parts of the state.

For example, catastrophic coverage for a healthy 40-year old husband and wife in the Cincinnati area would cost approximately $130-$150 per month. United HealthCare and Aetna would offer the most competitive rates. Comprehensive coverage would cost approximately $180-$250 per month. Anthem, along with a few other carriers would offer very attractive options. Rates in Northern Ohio, for similar coverage, would be approximately 10%-15% higher.

Many factors can affect rates, such as medical history, smoking status and height/weight. If prior credible coverage has been in effect for more than 18 months, some health insurance companies will cover pre-existing conditions, if accepted by underwriting. Most of the major companies that offer competitive rates in the Cincinnati area, also offer similar rates in surrounding counties, such as Warren, Butler, Clermont and Montgomery.

We’re located just North of Cincinnati and monitor local rates very closely. If you would like to view, compare or apply for high quality health coverage, simply click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page. Your information is never shared with any other person or company.

Ohio Individual Health Insurance plans are available and quite affordable! Ohio individual rates have remained quite low compared to rates in most other states. Most plans can be paid on a month-to-month basis, so short-term or long-term coverage is possible.

Some of the most popular individual plans in Ohio are “Value” plans. These types of plans provide solid major medical coverage for catastrophic plans. However, Ohio rates are kept low by reducing the number of covered office visits and limiting coverage for non-generic prescriptions. Also, with some plans, preventative benefits are reduced or eliminated.

When shopping for an individual (or family) “Value” plan, it is important to only consider major reputable health insurance companies. Never purchase coverage from a company that markets “discount plans. Companies that sell “discount plans” are usually located outside of Ohio and charge an upfront application fee.

Some of the best individual Ohio health insurance “Value Plans are:

Anthem “Value” plan

Aetna “Preventative and Hospital” plan

United HealthCare “Copay Saver” plan

United HealthCare “HSA” Saver” plan

Humana “Monogram” plan

Naturally, before selecting a plan, it’s always advisable to review your particular situation and carefully review all of the existing options. To instantly view and compare Ohio health insurance plans, please click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page. Your information will never be shared or sold to any other person or company.

So you can’t get health insurance in Ohio? And you have been denied by three companies. Well…you do have some options. And I am not referring to those goofy Ohio health insurance discount plans or a policy with limited benefits like some of the Cinergy Ohio health plans.

As a result of HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act), four Ohio health insurance policies are available through Anthem. Plans range from basic catastrophic coverage to comprehensive major medical coverage. The basic “CMM” plans will often offer lower premiums, but feature lower coverages. The “HIC” plans are generally more expensive and include additional coverages such as prescription copays and unlimited lifetime benefits.

Pre-existing conditions are generally covered and the policy can be treated as short-term or long-term coverage. Each policy is issued by Anthem Blue Cross and uses the the large Anthem network for doctors and hospitals. You also may view a brochure that explains the specific coverages. And we’ll provide the simple application so you can apply for coverage.

So…if you can’t get health insurance in Ohio and you would like additional information on these plans, including current rates, please call (888) 513 6446 or email us at service@ohioquotes.com. Your personal information is never shared with any other third party.

Health care reform is one of the Ohio’s most contentious issues. President Obama wants government-sponsored health care, hoping costs will reduce. Insurers and doctors are concerned that patients will have fewer choices under Obama’s plan. Drug companies fear that quality of our health care will weakened.

Sometimes it’s hard to determine the difference between myth and fact. One common myth is that Ohio consumers overwhelmingly want to see the current health care system changed. But that’s not true since recent polls indicate roughly half of Ohioans and the US population want to maintain the current system.

Liz Peek wrote a very interesting article about Obama’s five “Health care myths.” I don’t necessarily agree with all of her assertions, but there are some very valid points she raises. If you’re concerned about Ohio health care, you’ll be interested in reading this article.

You can read the article in its entirety here.