Ohio Student Health Insurance Options

If you’re heading off to a college or university in the Buckeye State, have you made plans for health insurance? Maybe you’re wondering why you need insurance if you’re young and healthy. But even as a student, it’s important to understand your choices for health insurance in Ohio. Learn more about available options and how to enroll.

What to Consider When Searching for Student Health Coverage in Ohio

Here are the key factors for students in Ohio:

• Are you a resident? In-state students may find it easier to remain on their parents’ plan.
• Dependent status? If claimed as a dependent, you can stay on your parents’ plan until age 26. If you’re turning 26 soon, you may want to find your own health insurance coverage.
• Stay on parents’ plan or get your own? Staying may save money, but you only qualify for ACA subsidies if you buy your own plan.
• Cost vs. coverage tradeoff? Choose a plan that fits your expected healthcare needs—more benefits usually mean higher premiums.
• Skip insurance? Risky—lack of coverage could result in overwhelming medical bills, and many Ohio colleges require coverage for enrollment.

How Do You Get Covered Under Your Parents’ Plan?

If you’re under 26, you can stay on your parents’ plan—whether you’re studying in-state or out-of-state.

• Be sure to check if local doctors or hospitals are in-network to avoid high out-of-pocket costs near your school.

Enrollment rules:

• ACA Marketplace plans: You can be added during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period.
• Employer-sponsored plans: Dependents can usually be added during annual enrollment or within a qualifying event window.

How Do You Get Covered Through Your School in Ohio?

Many Ohio universities offer ACA-compliant student health insurance plans for eligible full-time students.

Examples:

• Ohio State University: Requires half-time or more enrolled students to have insurance. Unless waived, students are automatically enrolled in the SHI Benefits Plan ($3,366/year), with optional prepaid drug packages also available.
• Case Western Reserve University: Requires health insurance for students with at least 1 credit hour. Offers Aetna Student Health Plan at $2,734/year unless proof of comparable coverage is submitted.
• Kenyon College: Automatically enrolls full-time students in its Wellfleet-managed Student Health Benefits Plan ($2,800/year) unless waived with other valid insurance.

Student plans may be billed through tuition and allow use of financial aid.

ACA Health Plans in Ohio

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides access to comprehensive health insurance through the federal Marketplace.

Key features:

• Essential benefits including hospital, prescription, mental health, and preventive care
• Guaranteed coverage for preexisting conditions
• Subsidies may lower monthly premiums

Check eligibility using our ACA Subsidy Calculator.

Plan levels:

• Bronze: Lowest premiums, highest deductibles
• Silver: Balanced cost and coverage; eligible for cost-sharing reductions
• Gold: Higher monthly premiums, lower out-of-pocket expenses
• Platinum: If available, offers the richest coverage at the highest cost

You can apply through the federal Marketplace or private insurers. Apply with your parents or on your own, depending on your age and tax status.

Medicaid or CHIP in Ohio

Medicaid in Ohio is offered through managed care plans that provide essential health benefits at little to no cost.

• Expanded eligibility: Adults earning up to 133% of the federal poverty level may qualify (about $1,428/month for a single person)
• CHIP: Offers low-cost insurance for children and teens under 19 from families that earn too much for Medicaid

How to apply:

• Ohio Benefits Portal
• Call the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680

Eligibility can be checked any time during the year.

Other Options for Coverage in Ohio

1. Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance is a temporary solution for those between plans, recent grads, or waiting for a long-term policy.

Ohio rules: Plans can last up to 90 days and are non-renewable.

Features:

• Fast enrollment
• Doctor and urgent care copays
• Telemedicine and Rx discounts

2. Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance adds a layer of protection for out-of-pocket expenses from accidents, hospital stays, or critical illness.

Types include:

• Accident, hospital indemnity, and cancer policies
• Often available year-round

3. Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Bundling dental and vision coverage helps manage long-term wellness affordably.

Benefits:

• Cleanings, braces, crowns
• Eye exams, glasses, and LASIK discounts
• Budget-friendly options for students

4. Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

Faith-based healthcare programs let members share medical expenses based on common values.

Highlights:

• Monthly “shares” instead of premiums
• Ideal for budget-conscious, faith-aligned individuals

5. Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed benefit medical insurance pays a set cash amount for covered services.

Advantages:

• First-dollar coverage without deductibles
• Payouts to you or your provider
• Can work as stand-alone or supplemental plan

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

Understanding your health insurance options means understanding the basic costs:

• Premium: What you pay each month
• Deductible: Amount you pay before insurance helps
• Copayment: Fixed fee per service or prescription
• Coinsurance: Percentage of costs you pay after the deductible
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The yearly cap on what you pay
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Stick with in-network doctors to lower costs

Not sure what all this means? Use our health insurance glossary for help.

Next Steps

If you’ve decided you need health insurance, compare plans and sign up before your semester begins. Whether staying on a parent’s plan, using your school’s coverage, or shopping on the Marketplace, make sure you’re protected for the year ahead.