Affordable Ohio Health Insurance Plans

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Anthem BCBS short term health insurance in Ohio is a popular low-cost option if you need immediate medical coverage for up to one year. 364 days of benefits are offered with an option to re-apply for additional 364-day periods. This affordable budget plan can provide needed benefits between Open Enrollments, and give you or your family the needed stopgap policy until a permanent solution is found. Plans that cost less than $3 per day are available. Anthem Enhanced Choice is ideal for persons that prefer a non-Obamacare option, don’t qualify for federal subsidies, or prefer a national provider network for doctors, specialists, and hospitals.

If you are without coverage, have a waiting period before new employer-provided benefits begin, or you prefer a non-Marketplace plan that is not federally-subsidized, a short-term policy should be considered. It is important to understand that pre-existing conditions may not be covered, and maternity benefits are not included. Also, upon termination of this type of policy, a “Special Enrollment Period” (SEP) is not offered, since a 2023 qualified life event is not created. Each policy is medically-underwritten and issued through the most trusted carrier in the Buckeye State.

It only takes a few minutes to calculate prices and easily apply for same-day coverage. You can purchase a temporary policy from our website at any time (24/7).  UnitedHealthcare, National General, and other carriers also offer temporary options that we often recommend. Your age, zip code, and type of required benefits help determine which company offers the most cost-effective plan. Up to $1 million of benefits per member per policy period is available, and you may terminate coverage at any time. No referrals are needed for visits to a specialist (see below).

Policy Information And Details

Policies are issued by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS). Customized plans are offered with several deductible options. Each policy does not qualify for “minimum essential coverage.” Although the policyholder can terminate the policy at any time, re-applying for benefits requires a new application. Preventative benefits (routine annual physical, PAP, mammogram) are covered at 100%. Additional nationally-recommenced services include immunizations, well-child care, and prostate screenings. Prescription drugs are covered with copays as low as $10.

Specialist visits to network physicians ($70 copay) do not require a referral, and primary-care physician visits (pcp) have a $30 copay. A $30 copay also applies to behavioral and mental health outpatient services. Live online visits are only subject to a $20 copay. Urgent Care visits also do not have to meet the policy deductible, and only a $75 copay applies. There is no limit on the number of allowed Urgent Care visits.

Not only is the policy issued by one of the top insurers, but rates and benefits are always rated as one of the best options for both young and old applicants. You must be under age 65 to apply for a policy. Otherwise, you may be able to obtain Medicare benefits. If your household income is under 100% of the Federal Poverty limit, you can obtain Medicaid benefits, and possibly CHIP for your children. Medicare-eligible Seniors should consider a supplemental plan instead of temporary coverage. 

Terminating or lapsing an existing qualified policy may result in reduction of benefits, especially if pre-existing conditions are present. Although coverage is available here in the Buckeye State, it is not offered in all other states. Billing is typically monthly and you may cancel the policy at any time. Policies can be issued at any time throughout the year, regardless if the Open Enrollment period (Marketplace) has ended.Benefits are not required to complay with the Affordable Care Act.

Prescription Drug Benefits:

Tier 1 (Generic)

Level 1 – 30-day retail – $10 copay. 90-day mail order – $30 copay.

Level 2 – 30-day retail – $20 copay.

Tier 2 (Preferred Brand)

Level 1 – 30-day retail – $35 copay. 90-day mail order – $105 copay.

Level 2 – 30-day retail – $45 copay

Tier 3 (Non-Preferred Brand)

Level 1 – 30-day retail – $75 copay after deductible. 90-day mail order – $225 after deductible.

Level 2 – 30-day retail – $85 after deductible.

Tier 4 (Specialty)

Level 1 – 30-day retail – 25% after deductible

Level 2 – 30-day retail – 100% after deductible

 

Available Plans

Enhanced Choice 1500 – $1,500 individual deductible with $5,000 maximum out-of-pocket expenses and 20% coinsurance. PCP and specialist office visit copays are $20 and $70. PCP/Telehealth online visit copays are $10 and the Urgent care copay is $75. ER visits are subject to the deductible and 20% coinsurance. Retail pharmacy drug copays for Tiers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are $10, $35, $75, and 25%. Deductible does not apply to Tiers 1 or 2. The policy maximum benefit per member is $1 million.

Enhanced Choice 2000 – $2,000 individual deductible with $5,000 maximum out-of-pocket expenses and 20% coinsurance. PCP and specialist office visit copays are $20 and $70. PCP/Telehealth online visit copays are $10 and the Urgent care copay is $75. ER visits are subject to the deductible and 20% coinsurance. Retail pharmacy drug copays for Tiers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are $10, $35, $75, and 25%. Deductible does not apply to Tiers 1 or 2. The policy maximum benefit per member is $1 million.

Enhanced Choice 2500 – $2,500 individual deductible with $5,000 maximum out-of-pocket expenses and 20% coinsurance. PCP and specialist office visit copays are $30 and $70. PCP/Telehealth online visit copays are $20 and the Urgent care copay is $75. ER visits are subject to the deductible and 20% coinsurance. Retail pharmacy drug copays for Tiers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are $10, $35, $75, and 25%. Deductible does not apply to Tiers 1 or 2. The policy maximum benefit per member is $1 million.

Enhanced Choice 3500 – $3,500 individual deductible with $6,000 maximum out-of-pocket expenses and 20% coinsurance. PCP and specialist office visit copays are $30 and $70. PCP/Telehealth online visit copays are $20 and the Urgent care copay is $75. ER visits are subject to the deductible and 20% coinsurance. Retail pharmacy drug copays for Tiers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are $10, $35, $75, and 25%. Deductible does not apply to Tiers 1 or 2. The policy maximum benefit per member is $1 million.

Enhanced Choice 5000 –  $5,000 individual deductible with $7,500 maximum out-of-pocket expenses and 20% coinsurance. PCP and specialist office visit copays are $45 and $70. PCP/Telehealth online visit copays are $35 and the Urgent care copay is $75. ER visits are subject to the deductible and 20% coinsurance. Retail pharmacy drug copays for Tiers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are $10, $35, $75, and 25%. Deductible does not apply to Tiers 1 or 2. The policy maximum benefit per member is $1 million.

Enhanced Choice 7500 – $7,500 individual deductible with $10,000 maximum out-of-pocket expenses and 20% coinsurance. PCP and specialist office visit copays are $45 and $70. PCP/Telehealth online visit copays are $35 and the Urgent care copay is $75. ER visits are subject to the deductible and 20% coinsurance. Retail pharmacy drug copays for Tiers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are $10, $35, $75, and 25%. Deductible does not apply to Tiers 1 or 2. The policy maximum benefit per member is $1 million.

Current Monthly Rates (2024) For Anthem Ohio Short-Term Coverage

30 Year-Old Male In Columbus (Franklin County)

$251 – Enhanced Choice 1500

$221 – Enhanced Choice 1750

$220 – Enhanced Choice 2000

$217 – Enhanced Choice 2500

$212 – Enhanced Choice 3500

$198 – Enhanced Choice 5000

$209 – Enhanced Choice 7500

$185 – Enhanced Choice 8000

 

35 Year-Old Male In Cincinnati (Hamilton County)

$259 – Enhanced Choice 1500

$228 – Enhanced Choice 1750

$226 – Enhanced Choice 2000

$223 – Enhanced Choice 2500

$218 – Enhanced Choice 3500

$204 – Enhanced Choice 5000

$216 – Enhanced Choice 7500

$190 – Enhanced Choice 8000

 

40 Year-Old Male In Cleveland (Cuyahoga County)

$285 – Enhanced Choice 1500

$248 – Enhanced Choice 1750

$247 – Enhanced Choice 2000

$243 – Enhanced Choice 2500

$238 – Enhanced Choice 3500

$221 – Enhanced Choice 5000

$236 – Enhanced Choice 7500

$207 – Enhanced Choice 8000

 

50 Year-Old Male In Dayton (Montgomery County)

$394 – Enhanced Choice 1500

$340 – Enhanced Choice 1750

$337 – Enhanced Choice 2000

$333 – Enhanced Choice 2500

$326 – Enhanced Choice 3500

$300 – Enhanced Choice 5000

$321 – Enhanced Choice 7500

$279 – Enhanced Choice 8000

 

55 Year-Old Female In Akron (Summit County)

$537 – Enhanced Choice 1500

$460 – Enhanced Choice 1750

$457 – Enhanced Choice 2000

$450 – Enhanced Choice 2500

$440 – Enhanced Choice 3500

$403 – Enhanced Choice 5000

$434 – Enhanced Choice 7500

$374 – Enhanced Choice 8000

Our website provides the lowest direct available costs for policies from Anthem Blue Cross and the other highly-rated companies. We make it easy to compare affordable policies, apply for coverage and save money! You can let us help you or handle the process yourself. If you need to terminate your policy, simply call. If you become eligible for Medicare, COBRA, or Medicaid, those options will likely be more cost-effective.

Dental, vision and other products are also offered. Your HIPAA eligibility could be impacted if you purchase a temporary policy. It may be best to discuss your previous benefits to ensure you are not jeopardizing any guarantee-issue options. During Open Enrollment periods, Exchange plans should always be considered since all pre-existing conditions are covered and an immediate tax credit may be offered. Applicants eligible for Medicare should consider applying for  supplemental benefits.

Impact Of Exchanges

During Open Enrollment, all Marketplace plans do not require underwriting and are typically immediately approved (unless there are citizenship or residency problems). Instant tax credits can substantially reduce policy premiums and potential large out-of-pocket expenses. Therefore, during this time period, a temporary policy is usually not utilized.Often, OE periods are expanded during pandemics (COVID in 2021) and when legislative changes are passed. Flexibility of “Special Enrollment Periods” has also recently increased.

However, if you miss Open Enrollment, a short-term policy is one of the best solutions to cover a potential lack of benefits until the new sign-up period begins. Coverage is available up to 24 months and you may terminate the policies at any time. Among companies that offer temporary plans, Anthem is the only carrier that covers pre-existing conditions (subject to policy previsions). UnitedHealthcare and Allstate (Aetna PPO network) offer attractive pricing but pre-existing conditions are not covered.

By applying direct, you’re assured of receiving the lowest cost available. You can find short term health insurance in Ohio on our website. One of the extra features we like is that you don’t have to wait until the first of the month to secure coverage. You can apply if you need benefits the next day. The turnaround time is very short since we immediately process the application. At any time, you may cancel the policy and the appropriate refund will be sent.

When Should This Policy Be Used?

This Anthem-affiliated policy is the least expensive Blue Cross medical plan. It is designed to provide benefits for anyone needing coverage for a month, a few months, or up to a year. One policy renewal is allowed. So if your initial six-month policy ends, you can apply again for an additional six months of benefits. For households that have just become eligible for COBRA, a Marketplace plan should be considered. However, if there are no pre-existing conditions, and all applicants do not qualify for a federal subsidy, a ST plan should be reviewed.

Qualified applicants must complete a short online application (see more details below). Any medications that are taken must be disclosed, along with pending treatment and procedures. Pregnant applicants will be denied, and another policy can not be in effect on the requested effective date. Also, any person diagnosed with AIDS or HIV will be denied coverage. Non-US citizens are also not eligible for benefits. Once a policy is terminated, a new application must be submitted since reinstatement is not permitted.

The contract is most commonly used with persons that are working and don’t have health insurance, early retirees, the self-employed, students, anyone trying to avoid a lapse in coverage, or workers between jobs. For unemployed workers, it is often the cheapest method to maintain major medical benefits, without giving up flexibility or the right to cancel coverage at any time. By customizing the deductible, a budget-friendly option can be issued. If a special federal subsidy for unemployment is paid, it does not impact a temporary plan.

If you have been residing outside the US and are returning, you may be eligible for immediate benefits. Often, if you were just hired, there may be a delay until your benefits package begins. Or, if you accidentally missed an open enrollment (and that does happen!), a temporary fix may be this type of policy. If you are expecting to secure benefits through an Exchange, this option may be ideal to get you “over the hump.”  However, a ST plan can not be in effect while an ACA plan is active. If a Marketplace plan lapses and can not be reinstated, temporary plans are a viable choice.

Most items are covered that you would expect, such as hospital expenses, office visit (including Urgent Care) and prescription benefits, emergency room bills and lab/X-ray expenses. However, to utilize any of the specified benefits, you must meet your deductible. Then, 80% of the qualified expenses are covered, which becomes 100% after the coinsurance requirement has been satisfied. But the main purpose of the policy is to protect you against larger claims.

Lifetime Cap On Coverage

Also, the lifetime cap for covered medical expenses is not unlimited like most other forms of coverage. The cap is $1 million, which should be sufficient, since this plan is only going to be in force for 1-12 months. Although, not impossible, it is unlikely that you will incur more than a million dollars of covered medical expenses. Staying within the network will help you get more benefits for the premium you are spending, especially when you have not met the deductible.

Admittedly, there are other short term health insurance plans in Ohio with lower rates. Typically, UnitedHealthcare costs less, and sometimes other carriers are “in the ballpark.” But Anthem is a household name and also offers several deductible options. Once the deductible has been satisfied, office visits and prescriptions can be covered, subject to policy contract limitations. But we always offer you a choice of different carriers. If Anthem Blue Cross is not the best fit, we will explain why.

Benefits you receive on temporary  plans are usually less than benefits offered on catastrophic or comprehensive plans. For example, maternity is not covered, although other available contracts offer both maternity and prenatal benefits. Mental illness coverage is much more comprehensive on an Obamacare plan. Mental illness expenses are treated more favorably on an Exchange contract.

The Application Process

You can initially apply for three months of coverage. If you pay the premium in full, your rate will be less than the monthly rate options. When your policy expires, you can re-apply again for one more term. However, after a maximum of 12 months of coverage, another carrier will need to be utilized. UnitedHealthcare is a worthwhile option. Allstate (Aetna PPO network) also offers very competitive rates. After 12 months of coverage with UHC or National General, it’s possible to re-apply with the previous carrier again.

Applying for a plan is quick, painless, and easy. Since there are very few medical questions (perhaps five), the application is completed in less than 15 minutes. If an application is approved between the 1st and 25th of the month, the policy effective date will be on the 2nd day of the next month. If an application is completed between the 26th and the last day of the month, the policy effective date will be on the 2nd day of the second following month.

Policies are often approved in a day if there are no “yes” answers and you never are asked to take a physical. We can also help you complete the paperwork, which can be completed online, or by faxing us the application.

Short term coverage may be the perfect fit for your temporary needs. You can easily view free quotes on our website at any time. We will happily explain plan details and the easy application process. You can also apply for an Anthem policy here. It’s a direct link with no fees. Contact us if you need help.