UnitedHealthcare’s  most comprehensive Ohio copay policy is the “Copay Select” contract. It features a  $35 copay on covered office visits with an optional $25 copay. There is no maximum limit on the number of allowable visits. UnitedHealthcare Ohio health insurance rates are generally extremely competitive when compared to the other large insurance carriers.

Prescriptions are included, and like most companies, feature a “Tier” system. For example, “Tier 1″ drugs have a $15 copay while other drugs will have a higher out-of-pocket expense.

Child and adult preventative care benefits are provided at 100% coverage with no deductible or waiting period. Some of the covered benefits include annual physicals, wellness checks, mammograms and Pap tests.

Overall, UnitedHealthCare’s  “Copay Select”  Plan  is one of the most popular plans in the state. Rates are extremely competitive, especially in the Dayton and Columbus areas. A wide range of major medical deductibles is available, ranging from $500 to $10,000. The $7,500 and $5,000 deductibles are commonly used to lower premiums.

Aetna”s PPO 2500 plan is similar, but is typically more expensive in most parts of the state. Medical Mutual”s  SuperMedOne policy is also very competitively priced in the Ohio Health Insurance market. Coverages are comparable and like UnitedHealthcare, Medical Mutual has a large network of providers.

To easily view, compare and apply for an Ohio medical insurance plan, please click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page. We will not share your personal information.

What is a Health Savings Account (“HSA”)?

A Health Savings Account is an alternative to traditional health insurance; it is a savings product that offers a alternative way for consumers to pay for their health care. HSAs enable you to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.

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You must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to be able to take advantage of HSAs. An HDHP generally costs less than what traditional health care coverage costs, so the money that you save on insurance can therefore be put into the Health Savings Account.

Many Ohio insurance companies offer HSAs.  Anthem and UnitedHealthCare may be the best options while Medical Mutual and Aetna are also companies to consider.

What Is a “High Deductible Health Plan” (HDHP)?
You must have an HDHP if you want to open an HSA. Sometimes referred to as a “catastrophic” health insurance plan, an HDHP is an inexpensive health insurance plan that generally doesn’t pay for the first several thousand dollars of health care expenses  (i.e., your “deductible”) but will generally cover you after that .  Of course, your HSA is available to help  pay for the expenses your plan does not cover. A wide range of deductibles is available…generally between $1500 and $10,000.

How can I get a Health Savings Account?

Ohio residents can visit http://www.ohioquotes.com for an instant free quote. Out-of-state residents can visit http://www.majormedicalhealth.com. These are two of the most comprehensive health insurance websites available to the public. And yes…I am a bit biased!

How much does an HSA cost?
An HSA is not something you purchase; it’s a savings account into which you can deposit money on a tax-preferred basis.  The only product you purchase with an HSA is a High Deductible Health Plan, an inexpensive plan that will cover you should your medical expenses exceed the funds you have in your HSA. The two websites listed in the prior paragraph will provide you with immediate rates.

November 2011 Update- HSAs are still popular. Medical Mutual, Anthem and UnitedHealthCare are still the best options here in Ohio.

In my 29 years as a health insurance broker, I have viewed, and subsequently recommended many health insurance plans. Each situation is different and, obviously, affordability issues play a big part in the decision-making process.

However, there are many available health insurance plans that are quite affordable, compared to other options. For this example, I am basing the rates on a healthy nonsmoking 35-year old male living in the Columbus area. Premiums provided are monthly…

$42  Aetna Preventive and Hospital Care 3000 ($3000 Ded.)

$47  Anthem Blue Access Value ($5000 Ded.)

$52  Anthem Lumenos HSA ($5000 Ded.)

$55  Anthem Blue Access Value ($3000 Ded.)

$63  Anthem Blue Access Value ($2000 Ded.)

$65  Aetna PPO 5000 ($5000 Ded.)

$77 Medical Mutual Standard 2500 ($2500 Ded.)

All of these policies offer some level of office visit coverage without having to meet a deducible. Naturally, pre-existing conditions may increase the rate.

To instantly view your current Ohio health insurance rates, please click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page.

UPDATE October 2011. I deleted an Aetna and Anthem plan since they are no longer offered. Also…under national health care reform, preventive benefits are now covered at 100% on most plans. And of course, the rates that you see in this blog post are a few years old so rates have increased. Not too much, though. You can still click on the “Get Instant Quote” button and you”ll view current rates and plans.

Of course…you”re familiar with the major health insurance companies. Anthem, UnitedHealthCare, Aetna, Humana, Medical Mutual etc… And of course, all are reputable companies. However, there are some companies that you should never consider for your health coverage.

Here”s my silly Top-10 list of companies to run away from…fast!

10.  United Asbestos Removers Insurance Company

9.   Blue Cross Red Ink Insurance Company

8.   Smokers Only Insurance Company

7.   Nigerian Lottery Winner Insurance Company

6.   Farm Animal and Reptile Insurance Company

5.   Claim Denial Experts Insurance Company

4.   Chapter 7, 11 and 13 Insurance Company

3.   Power Eaters Anonymous Insurance Company

2.   Ohio River Sludge Fund Insurance Company

And…the Number one Company to run away from fast…

1.   The Great Rate/No Claim Allowed Insurance Company

UPDATE- 9-17-10. Allow me to add another company!  How about “Madoff Insurance & Investment Company.”