Key Takeaways
- Enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage, or by January 15 for February 1.
- Molina is leaving the Ohio exchange, and CareSource is leaving Ohio's individual market.
- AmeriHealth Caritas is new to the Ohio Marketplace for 2027.
- Rates rise about 16.3% on average before subsidies.
- Adults under 138% of the poverty level can qualify for Ohio Medicaid.
In This Guide
Ohio Open Enrollment Dates and Deadlines
Ohio uses the federal exchange, HealthCare.gov. A court also blocked a plan to cut the season short, so these dates hold for 2027.| Date | What happens in Ohio |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment opens for 2027 coverage |
| December 15, 2026 | Pick a plan by today for a January 1 start |
| January 15, 2027 | Final day to enroll; coverage begins February 1 |
What's Changing in the Ohio Marketplace
Ohio still has one of the larger insurer lineups in the region. However, the mix is shifting for 2027, per healthinsurance.org.Insurers Leaving and Joining
- Molina: leaving the exchange and keeping only one off-exchange plan
- CareSource: leaving Ohio's individual market at the end of 2026
- AmeriHealth Caritas: new to the Ohio Marketplace for 2027
Rate Changes by Insurer
Ohio's individual market rates rise about 16.3% on average, after a 19.8% jump in 2026. Each company asked for a very different change, though.| Insurer | Requested average change |
|---|---|
| Oscar Insurance Corp. of Ohio | -1.5% |
| Ambetter from Buckeye Health Plan | +9.5% |
| Summa | +10.4% |
| Antidote Health | +15.8% |
| Anthem | +16.2% |
| Oscar Buckeye State | +18% |
| MedMutual | +21.6% |
| UnitedHealthcare | +24.1% |
Requested rates from RateReview.HealthCare.gov, per healthinsurance.org. AmeriHealth Caritas is new, so it has no prior rate. With swings this wide, the cheapest plan in your county may change. That is a strong reason to compare before you renew.
Leaving Molina or CareSource? Let's Find Your New PlanA licensed Vivna agent can compare Ambetter, Oscar and UnitedHealthcare plans in your county at no cost. Call 888-730-6031 or request a free quote online.
How Subsidies Work in Ohio Now
Ohio expanded Medicaid, so adults earning up to 138% of the poverty level usually qualify. Above that, Marketplace tax credits lower your premium. In 2026, about 8 in 10 Ohio enrollees got that help. The bigger federal subsidies ended after 2025, though. Now, households above 400% of the poverty level get no tax credit. Here are the 2027 lines.| Household size | 138% (Medicaid line) | 400% (subsidy cap) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,025 | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $29,863 | $86,560 |
| 3 people | $37,702 | $109,280 |
| 4 people | $45,540 | $132,000 |
Based on 2026 federal poverty guidelines used for 2027 coverage. Below 250%? Silver plans with cost sharing reductions can slash your deductible. Above 400%? Our ACA subsidy cliff guide shows ways to qualify again.
How to Enroll in an Ohio Marketplace Plan, Step by Step
- Check your insurer first. Molina and CareSource members must choose a new company.
- Gather your information. You need Social Security numbers, income proof and doctor names.
- Estimate 2027 income. Include wages, self-employment income and unemployment.
- Update your HealthCare.gov application. Or call a licensed agent who can do it with you.
- Compare plans in your county. Check hospitals, prescriptions and total yearly costs.
- Enroll by December 15. Pay your first premium to lock in a January 1 start.
If You Miss the Ohio Open Enrollment Deadline
After January 15, you need a qualifying life event to enroll. Examples include losing job coverage, a move or a new baby. Our special enrollment period guide explains each one. If no event applies, UnitedHealthcare short-term health insurance is available in Ohio through Vivna. It isn't ACA coverage, but it can bridge a gap. Call 888-730-6031 to see if it fits.Ohio Open Enrollment FAQs
When is Ohio open enrollment for 2027?
It runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start.What should I do if my Molina plan is ending?
Pick a new Marketplace plan during open enrollment. Doing so keeps your tax credit and avoids a gap.Is CareSource still available in Ohio?
Not for individual plans. CareSource is leaving Ohio's individual market at the end of 2026.Is a licensed agent free to use?
Yes. Vivna's help costs nothing, and your premium stays the same.Next Steps for Ohio Open Enrollment
First, confirm your insurer is staying for 2027. Next, update your income on HealthCare.gov. Finally, compare plans and enroll by December 15. Call 888-730-6031 for free help.Sources
- healthinsurance.org: Ohio health insurance marketplace
- HealthCare.gov: Dates and deadlines
- HealthCare.gov: Special Enrollment Period
Related Guides
- Open enrollment health insurance guide
- Ohio health insurance
- Health insurance in Columbus, Ohio
- When your insurer leaves the marketplace
- Special enrollment period
About the author: Heather Sprague
Heather is the owner and agent of record at Vivna Insurance, a licensed independent agency in Deerfield Beach, Florida. She helps families and self-employed workers compare marketplace, short-term and supplemental plans.
Licensed health insurance agent, Vivna Insurance (Agency NPN 19168641). Call 888-730-6031.
Reviewed by Michael Sprague, licensed health insurance agent.
Vivna Insurance is a licensed independent agency, not a government website, and is not HealthCare.gov. Our help is free; we are paid by the insurance companies we work with. Plan availability, rates and savings vary by county and income.
