Health coverage can be easy to put off until a deadline is close. This year, it is especially important to plan ahead. Open Enrollment for 2027 Health Insurance Marketplace coverage in Ohio begins November 1, 2026.
If you buy your own health insurance, are uninsured, or expect to lose qualifying health coverage, Open Enrollment is a chance to review your options and apply for a plan. Plans, costs, provider networks, and prescription coverage can differ, so take time to compare what matters to you and your household.
Important News for CareSource Marketplace Members
CareSource will no longer offer Ohio Health Insurance Marketplace plans for 2027. Current CareSource Marketplace coverage is scheduled to remain active through December 31, 2026, as long as premiums are paid.
If you have a CareSource Marketplace plan, plan to review your options during Open Enrollment and confirm what your coverage will be for 2027. CareSource says the Marketplace may select a new plan if you do not choose one. Reviewing the options yourself can help you check that the plan fits your needs, including your doctors, prescriptions, and costs.
This change applies to CareSource’s Ohio Marketplace plans. CareSource says its Ohio Medicaid and MyCare Ohio plans are not affected by this Marketplace exit. If you have Medicaid, do not assume this Marketplace announcement means your Medicaid coverage is ending. Read notices from the state or your plan, respond to any renewal requests, and ask for help if you have questions.
Key Dates for 2027 Marketplace Coverage
- November 1, 2026: Open Enrollment begins.
- December 15, 2026: Enroll by this date for coverage that starts January 1, 2027.
- January 15, 2027: Open Enrollment ends in Ohio. Enrolling after December 15 generally means coverage starts February 1.
Outside Open Enrollment, you may still be able to enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, such as after losing qualifying health coverage. Visit HealthCare.gov to learn about your situation and options.
Why Coverage Matters at Every Age
A person can feel well and still face a car accident, a fall, or a health diagnosis they did not expect. A sudden need for emergency care, tests, treatment, or prescriptions can bring expenses quickly. These situations can happen at any age, including to people who rarely need medical care.
If an illness or injury keeps someone from working, lost income can arrive alongside medical bills. That combination can add financial stress and make it harder to keep up with everyday expenses. Health coverage does not prevent illness or eliminate every cost, but it can help people access covered care and understand their share of costs. Reviewing options before something happens can help you make a more informed choice.
What to Review Before Choosing a Plan
A plan’s monthly premium is only one part of the decision. As you compare options, look at:
- Whether your doctors, clinics, and hospitals are in the plan’s network
- Whether your prescriptions are covered and what they may cost
- The deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum
- The total cost that fits your household and expected health care needs
The plan that fits you depends on your needs and budget. If you are unsure what to compare or how to apply, a navigator can help you understand the process.
Local Help Is Available
Southeast Healthcare’s federally certified navigators provide unbiased help with Marketplace and Medicaid enrollment. This assistance is provided at no cost to the client and is available in person, by phone, or virtually. Southeast also has a navigator serving eastern Ohio, including the Belmont area.
Call 740-238-6601 or 330-339-7850, or visit Southeast Healthcare’s Health Insurance Navigator Services page to schedule an appointment.
Start early, compare your options, and make a plan for your 2027 coverage.