Key Takeaways:
- Ohio offers diverse Medicare options, including 224 Medicare Advantage plans, 16 Part D plans, and several Medigap plans, to help beneficiaries customize coverage based on their needs.
- While many Ohio Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums, comparing provider networks, extra benefits, and out-of-pocket costs is important to find the best value.
- Ohio residents can use Medigap plans such as Plan G and Plan N to help cover additional costs associated with Medicare.
Finding your way through Medicare options in Ohio, a state with 2.5 million beneficiaries, can be challenging due to the variety of choices available.
Whether approaching Medicare eligibility or reviewing your current coverage, understanding Ohio’s Medicare landscape requires carefully evaluating healthcare plans to find one that fits your medical needs and financial situation.
This guide thoroughly explores your options, compares costs and benefits, and helps you make accurate decisions about your healthcare coverage.
Types of Medicare Plans Available in Ohio
Ohio residents have numerous Medicare plans, each with its own set of benefits and costs.
Let’s understand each plan type in detail.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Original Medicare forms the foundation of Medicare coverage in Ohio. It’s divided into two parts:
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): It covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home healthcare services. Most Ohio residents don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): This covers outpatient care, including doctor visits, preventive services, medical equipment, and diagnostic tests. The standard Part B premium in 2025 is $185 per month, but it may be higher based on your income.
Along with premiums, you will have to pay deductibles for each plan, certain copayments and coinsurance. In Medicare Part B, for instance, you’ll usually pay 20% of the cost for each Medicare-covered service or item once you’ve paid your deductible.
Data sourced from Medicare Basics.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage or Part C plans bundle Original Medicare benefits with additional features, including prescription drug coverage, dental care, vision services, and other wellness programs.
Medicare-approved private insurance companies offer these plans.
Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare.
In 2025, all Ohio residents with Medicare will have access to Medicare Advantage plans.
- There are 224 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2025, up from 217 plans in 2024.
- The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium came down from $16.12 in 2024 to $15.51 in 2025.
- The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is $0, and all Medicare beneficiaries will have access to at least one such plan.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Ohio:
Carrier | Average CMS Star Rating (All Plans) | Availability | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
UnitedHealthcare
(AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials Plan) |
3.82 ★ | 49 states and D.C. | $0 | $0 | $4,500 |
Humana (HumanaChoice Plan) | 3.63 ★ | 48 states, D.C. and PR | $0 | $250 | $6,100 |
Aetna
(Aetna Medicare Value Plan) |
4.27 ★ | 44 states and D.C. | $0 | $0 | $5,900 |
Devoted Health (Devoted Choice Ohio Plan) | 4.28 ★ | 20 states. | $0 | $590 (only for Tiers 3-5) | $5,300 |
Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from Ohio Zip Code 43606. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.
Private insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans in Ohio include:
- Aetna
- MediGold
- Devoted Health
- PrimeTime Health Plan
- KelseyCare Advantage
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
Make your Medicare decision simpler.
Choosing the right Medicare plan shouldn’t feel overwhelming. At CoverRight, we understand Ohio’s Medicare landscape and can help match you with coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget.
Let our expertise guide your Medicare decisions today.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Understanding prescription drug coverage is crucial for Ohio seniors, particularly those managing chronic conditions.
Medicare Part D plans in Ohio offer varying levels of prescription drug coverage, with each plan’s formulary (list of drugs) organized into cost-sharing tiers.
Unlike some states where pharmacy networks are concentrated in urban areas, Ohio’s Part D plans typically maintain broad pharmacy networks across both metropolitan and rural regions.
This accessibility, combined with mail-order options, helps ensure consistent medication access for all Ohio beneficiaries.
When evaluating Part D plans, consider both your immediate and future medication needs.
16 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans are available in Ohio In 2025, with all residents having access to at least one.
- 66.65% of Ohio residents with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan have the option to switch to a plan with a premium lower than what they paid in 2024.
- 22.87% of those with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan can receive Extra Help, the federal financial support program for Plan D.
- The lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan is $0.
Plan Name | Premium | Deductible | CMS Star Rating |
Anthem MediBlue Rx Plus | $72.10 | $555 | 3.5 ★ |
Humana Premier Rx Plus | $124 | $590 | 3.5 ★ |
Wellcare Value Script | $0 | $590 | 3.5 ★ |
Note: Data from MedicareWire.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans
While Original Medicare provides substantial coverage, out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly. Medigap plans help bridge these financial gaps by offering predictable healthcare costs through standardized supplemental coverage options.
Understanding the value of Medigap coverage means looking beyond monthly premiums.
These plans can provide significant savings on deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and excess charges, particularly for those who require frequent medical care or plan to travel extensively.
Medigap Plan G and Plan N are popular choices among Ohio beneficiaries.
Plan G offers comprehensive coverage, paying for nearly all Medicare-approved costs except the Part B deductible.
Plan N provides similar benefits at a lower premium but includes some cost-sharing of copayments for certain doctor’s office visits and emergency room care.
Unlike Plan G, however, Medigap Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges.
Leading Medigap providers in Ohio, for both Plan G and Plan N, include:
- MassMutual
- Americo Life
- United Commercial Travellers
- Aetna
Learn more: 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Medigap.
Average Costs of Medicare Plans in Ohio
Understanding typical Medicare costs is essential for choosing the best plan within your budget.
Plan Type | Average Monthly Premium | Average Deductibles | What it Covers |
Original Medicare Part A | $0
($285 or $518 if you do not qualify for free premiums) |
$1,676 | Inpatient care, such as hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice care. |
Original Medicare Part B | $185 | $257 | Outpatient care, preventative services, and medical equipment. |
Medicare Advantage | $15.51 | ($0 – $590) Varies by plan/region. |
All Original Medicare + extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental care. |
Part D | $61.54 | $487 | Prescription drugs. |
Medigap Plan G and Plan N | $120 – $200 | N/A | Fills gaps in Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs. |
Note: All data reflect 2025 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.
Top Medicare Advantage and Medigap Providers in Ohio
Given the array of Medicare Advantage and Medigap providers in Ohio, picking the right insurance provider can significantly impact your healthcare experience and costs.
Best Medicare Advantage Providers
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Ohio means more than just comparing premiums. With many providers offering $0 premium plans, determining each plan’s network strength, additional benefits, and cost-sharing structures is the real value.
The best provider will balance access to your preferred healthcare facilities with benefits that match your specific healthcare needs, whether it’s wider prescription drug coverage, a greater dental allowance, or even access to nearby gyms.
Carrier | Highest Rating | Lowest Rating | Median Rating | Total Number of MA Contracts |
Aetna | 4.5 | 2.5 | 4.0 | 45 |
Centene | 4.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 106 |
Cigna | 4.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 17 |
Elevance (Anthem BCBS) | 5.0 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 46 |
Humana | 5.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 48 |
United Healthcare | 5.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 75 |
Note: Medicare Advantage CMS Star Ratings: 6 Major Carriers (Updated 11/15/24).
Best Medigap Providers
Reliability and financial stability matter as much as monthly premiums when comparing Medigap providers in Ohio.
The top insurance companies have earned their reputations through consistent claim processing, competitive rates, and responsive customer service teams that understand the needs of Medicare beneficiaries.
Here’s how the top providers compare for both Plan G and Plan N coverage in Ohio:
Plan G Providers
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
MassMutual | $101.27 | None | A++ |
Americo Life | $94.15 | None | A |
United Commercial Travelers | $99.49 | None | B+ |
United World | $100.02 | None | A+ |
Aetna | $104.79 | $20.00 | A |
AARP | $114.23 | None | A |
USAA Life | $116.62 | None | A++ |
Reserve National | $118.20 | None | A- |
Transamerica | $127.28 | None | A+ |
Globe Life | $133.00 | None | A+ |
Plan N Providers
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
MassMutual | $87.41 | None | A++ |
Aetna | $77.14 | $20.00 | A |
Americo Life | $80.59 | None | A |
United Commercial Travelers | $84.36 | None | B+ |
United World | $89.50 | None | A+ |
AARP | $93.13 | None | A |
USAA Life | $99.45 | None | A++ |
Transamerica | $109.06 | None | A+ |
Globe Life | $112.50 | None | A+ |
Reserve National | $133.15 | None | A- |
Note: Data for Plan G and Plan N from MedicareWire.
How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in Ohio
With the variety of options available, you must take a strategic approach to finding a plan that best aligns with your needs and budget.
- Assess Your Healthcare Needs: Before diving into plan comparisons, take some time to reflect on your current health status and anticipated healthcare needs. Consider factors like chronic conditions, prescription drugs, and preferred doctors and hospitals.
- Evaluate Plan Costs: Consider the various costs of Medicare plans, including monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Factor in potential out-of-pocket expenses to get a complete picture of the plan’s costs.
- Review Provider Networks: Each Medicare Advantage plan has a network of healthcare providers, including doctors, specialists, and hospitals. Make sure your preferred providers are included in the plan’s network to ensure continued access to their care.
- Consider Extra Benefits: Medicare Advantage plans often offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage. If these benefits are important to you, factor them into your decision.
- Seek Personalized Guidance: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choices, don’t hesitate to seek help from a licensed insurance agent such as CoverRight or a Medicare counselor. They can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate the complexities of Medicare plans in Ohio.
How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in Ohio
Your Medicare enrollment journey follows important timelines that affect your coverage and potential costs.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Your first opportunity to enroll begins three months before you turn 65, includes that month, and extends three months thereafter. You can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Medicare Advantage, or Part D coverage during this seven-month window.
For annual enrollment opportunities, mark these key dates on your calendar:
Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 – December 7, 2024.
- Make changes to Medicare Advantage or Part D plans.
- Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31, 2025.
- Switch Medicare Advantage plans.
- Return to Original Medicare and join a Part D plan.
Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you experience qualifying life events like relocating or losing coverage.
Learn more: Open Enrollment vs Annual Enrollment: Difference Between AEP and OEP.
Steps to Enroll
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather your Medicare card (if already enrolled), Social Security card, and any other relevant personal information.
- Research Your Options: Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov to compare plans, explore costs and benefits, and check provider networks.
- Enroll Online, By Phone, or with an Agent: You can enroll in a Medicare plan online, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or with the assistance of a licensed insurance agent such as CoverRight.
Medicare Resources for Ohio Residents
Several Ohio organizations provide free support to help you navigate your Medicare options.
- Ohio Department of Insurance: Provides comprehensive Medicare support, including free online counseling, plan comparison assistance, and connections to local coordinators who understand your area’s healthcare options.
- Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging: Offers educational workshops, informative videos, and hands-on guidance about Medicare plans.
Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol: Helps beneficiaries identify, prevent, and report Medicare fraud and abuse. Offers education and support throughout the reporting process.
Make Medicare simple in Ohio.
At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the Ohio healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and budget.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 13, 2023. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024.
- Medicare.gov
- When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024.
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
- Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed December 22, 2024.