Ohio Medicare Plans 2025: Coverage Options & Costs Starting at $0

Ohio residents can choose from 224 Medicare Advantage plans, 16 prescription drug plans, and 12 Medigap supplemental insurance options, with availability varying by location.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as younger people with qualifying disabilities or health conditions.

The program consists of four key parts:

• Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), together known as Original Medicare.
• Part C, or Medicare Advantage, an alternative that combines Parts A and B with extra benefits.
• Part D, which covers prescription medications.

Original Medicare enrollees can enhance their coverage by purchasing Medigap plans to help with out-of-pocket expenses.

Ohio Medicare Overview for 2025

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reports over 2.5 million Ohioans enrolled in Medicare.

Key 2025 updates include:

• The average Medicare Advantage premium dropped slightly from $16.12 in 2024 to $15.51 in 2025.
• The number of Medicare Advantage plans in Ohio increased from 217 to 224.
• $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans are available to all beneficiaries.
• Sixteen standalone prescription drug plans are accessible, with some offering $0 monthly premiums.
• Approximately 66% of prescription drug plan enrollees can switch to lower-cost plans compared to 2024.
• About 22% of drug plan participants receive Extra Help to reduce costs.

Medicare Components in Ohio

Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

This traditional coverage includes hospital and medical insurance. In 2025, the estimated standard premium for Part B is $185 per month but may vary based on income. Most beneficiaries qualify for premium-free Part A.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Offered by private companies partnering with Medicare, these plans bundle hospital and medical benefits and often include prescription drugs, vision, dental, and hearing services.

Leading providers in Ohio include Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Devoted Health, Humana, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Mount Carmel MediGold, The Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, and Wellcare.

Coverage areas and plan costs differ, so reviewing specific plan details is essential.

Standalone Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Medicare offers 16 prescription drug plans in Ohio through companies such as Aetna Medicare, Anthem, Cigna Healthcare, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Wellcare. Eligibility requires enrollment in Part A or Part B.

Medigap (Supplemental Insurance)

Medigap helps cover copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance for Original Medicare enrollees. Ohio offers 12 standardized plans ranging from Plan A to Plan N, including high-deductible options.

Providers include Ace Property and Casualty Insurance Company, AFLAC, Allstate Health Solutions, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Ohio, Cigna National Health Insurance, Erie Family Life, Humana, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, and others.

Enrollment Eligibility & Periods in Ohio

You qualify for Medicare if you are 65 or older and a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least five years. Under 65, eligibility extends to those with disabilities receiving SSDI or RRB benefits for 24 months, or with conditions like end-stage renal disease or ALS.

Key Enrollment Windows

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Seven-month window around your 65th birthday.
• Open Enrollment Period (OEP): October 15 to December 7 annually for plan changes or new enrollments.
• Medicare Advantage OEP: January 1 to March 31 for switching Medicare Advantage plans.
• Medigap OEP: Six months after turning 65 to purchase supplemental coverage.

Special enrollment periods may apply due to qualifying life events.

Choosing the Right Plan: Tips for Ohio Residents

• Provider Network: Ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network if selecting a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Medication Coverage: Compare formularies to confirm your prescriptions are covered affordably.
• Travel Needs: Consider plans that offer coverage outside your home service area if you travel often.
• Plan Ratings: Review CMS star ratings to assess plan quality and performance.

Support & Resources for Ohio Medicare Beneficiaries

For assistance, contact Medicare’s 24/7 helpline at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY: 1-877-486-2048).

Ohio’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers personalized counseling at 1-800-686-1578 to help navigate your Medicare options.

Summary

With over 2.5 million Ohioans covered, Medicare offers diverse plans tailored to meet varying health needs. The 2025 landscape features stable premiums, expanded plan choices, and multiple zero-dollar premium options. Careful plan comparison and timely enrollment can maximize benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.

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