Note: Recommendations are StretchDollar's opinion. Consult a broker for complicated health questions.
The marketplace, also known as a health insurance exchange, allows individuals and families to shop for health insurance. Established by the federal government, it mandates that listed health plans provide comprehensive benefits.
In 2019, the government introduced ICHRA (Individual Health Reimbursement Arrangement), a unique way for small businesses to offer health benefits. Through ICHRA, business owners can give pre-tax money to employees for purchasing their own health plans from the marketplace. More employees than ever before are shopping the marketplace. Let's explore the options.
Where you live (specifically, your county) affects your health insurance options. Good news — if you're in Columbus, Ohio, you've got plenty of choices! We've put together a list of our favorites, focusing on affordability and solid network coverage.
Best if you like telemedicine + $0 deductibles.
Oscar’s Bronze Elite + PCP Saver Plus
Best health plan if you need Vexner Medical Center in network.
Ambetter Elite Bronze
Best general all-around option for the price and network.
Oscar Gold Elite Saver Price
If you're watching your budget, check out these affordable health insurance plans available in Columbus, Ohio.
*Based on 30-year-old male
Mental health coverage varies between health plans. If this support is important to you, it's a good idea to take a closer look at these plans.
Note: If you have a particular therapist you love (and we hope you do), we recommend double checking with them that they accept these plans before purchasing one.
If you're aiming to stack up those credit card reward points by covering your health insurance premiums, you're in luck. Here are some health insurance providers in Columbus, Ohio, that let you pay with a credit card:
Some health plans throw in some cool extras along with the usual coverage. Here are a few that stand out
An app you’ll actually use with integrated telemedicine
A $3 prescription medicine program
Free access to popular fitness centers/gyms
Shopping on the marketplace gives you plenty of options to choose from. Columbus's marketplace features over 110 plans from eight different health insurance carriers.
Health insurance has a lot of terms and jargon that are important to know. Here’s some of the main ones you’ll come across. You can find more here.
Seeing out-of-network doctors or taking medicines that aren’t covered by your health plan can become quite costly. If you have complicated health needs or take specialty medicines, you should consult a broker to make sure your doctors and prescriptions are covered.
Health insurance is complicated and costly, especially for small businesses. High participation rates and contribution requirements make it out of reach for many. Not to mention, traditional group health insurance plans often require 60+ hours of administrative work. That’s where ICHRA comes in. Small business owners finally can control their benefits budget and setup takes just ten minutes. Learn more.
