Medicare in Ohio: 2026 Plans, Costs, and Enrollment Guide

Ohio Medicare Snapshot

Ohio has a well-developed Medicare market — 190 MA plans from 21 carriers covering 88 of 89 counties for 2026 (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Ohio's MA plan mix is notably balanced across plan types: 43 PPO, 43 HMO-POS, and 42 HMO plans, giving beneficiaries meaningful choice between provider network structures.

The average consolidated MA premium is $23.76/month(median $4.60) — higher than many large states, but Ohio's 4.05 average star rating (in Pennsylvania data — Ohio is 3.84) reflects solid plan quality. The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026. Ohio also has 44 Medigap carriers offering all 12 plan letters, giving beneficiaries on Original Medicare a wide range of supplement options.

Plan Types Available in Ohio

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

In Ohio, 190 MA plans are available for 2026 from 21 carriers (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Plan type mix: 43 PPO, 43 HMO-POS, 42 HMO, 20 HMO D-SNP (dual-eligible special needs), and 18 HMO C-SNP (chronic condition special needs), among others.

Ohio's plan type mix is uniquely balanced across PPO, HMO-POS, and HMO — giving beneficiaries options ranging from broad-network PPOs to tightly managed HMOs. County availability ranges from 113 MA plans in Summit County (Akron) to 57 plans in Athens County.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement)

Ohio has 44 Medigap carriers offering all 12 standardized plan letters. Plan G is available from all 44 carriers — among the strongest Plan G availability of any state. Plan F is closed to new enrollees as of January 1, 2020 (MACRA).

Ohio does not have a Birthday Rule. See our MA vs Medigap comparison →

Standalone Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)

Ohio is CMS PDP Region 14 — Ohio alone. For 2026, there are 10 standalone PDP plans from 5 carriers. Average total premium is $61.92/month (CMS CY2026 Landscape).

Costs in Ohio

Medicare Advantage Premiums

The average consolidated MA premium in Ohio is $23.76/month (median $4.60) (CMS CY2026 Landscape). The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026.

The top three carriers by plan count are Humana (30 plans), Aetna Medicare (28 plans), and UnitedHealthcare (26 plans) (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Average star rating is 3.84.

Medigap Premiums — Plan G and HDG

Medigap premiums vary by carrier, age, gender, tobacco use, and rating method. Across the 43 carriers offering Plan G in Ohio (non-tobacco rates, ages 65–85), monthly premiums range from approximately $114 to $620/month (TPP internal data, CY2026; methodology: non-tobacco rates, ages 65–85, all carriers offering Plan G).

High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is offered by 35 Ohio carriers; premiums range from approximately $106 to $577/month across ages 65–85, non-tobacco rates (TPP internal data, CY2026). HDG works well for beneficiaries who want catastrophic protection at a lower monthly cost and can absorb the $2,950 deductible (2026).

Part D Costs and the LIS Benchmark

For 2026, Ohio Part D premiums average $61.92/month across 10 standalone PDP plans. The CMS Low Income Subsidy (LIS / Extra Help) benchmark premium for PDP Region 14 (Ohio) is $31.38/month (CMS CY2026 Regional Rates and Benchmarks).

Ohio-Specific Medicare Rules

Ohio Medigap Protections

Ohio follows standard federal Medigap rules. You have a 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that starts the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this guaranteed-issue window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history.

After this window closes, medical underwriting applies and coverage is not guaranteed. Ohio does not have a Birthday Rule. Enrolling in Medigap during the initial Open Enrollment Period is especially important.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

Ohio offers Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) administered by the Ohio Department of Medicaid:

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
• SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part B premiums only.
• QI (Qualifying Individual): Also covers Part B premiums; subject to annual appropriations.

Apply through the Ohio Department of Medicaid or contact Ohio OSHIIP (1-800-686-1578) for free enrollment assistance. MSP enrollment also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help / LIS on Part D. Learn more about MSPs →

Ohio OSHIIP

Ohio OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program) provides free, unbiased counseling on all Medicare options statewide.

Phone: 1-800-686-1578
Website: https://insurance.ohio.gov/consumers/medicare-assistance

Enrolling in Medicare in Ohio

Standard Enrollment Periods

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday month. Enroll at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31.
• Medigap Open Enrollment Period: 6-month guaranteed-issue window starting when you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B. After this window, medical underwriting applies (Ohio has no Birthday Rule).
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Learn more →

Ohio OSHIIP Counseling

Contact OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578 for free one-on-one Medicare guidance statewide.

Frequently Asked Questions