An independent guide to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap plans available across Ohio's 88 counties — written for people approaching 65, their families, and the agents who serve them.
Original Medicare is two parts, A and B. Together with Part D for prescriptions and Part C (Medicare Advantage) as a private alternative, they cover the full picture.
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health. Most people pay no monthly premium.
Learn about Part A BCovers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. The 2026 standard premium is $202.90.
Learn about Part B CA private alternative that bundles A, B, and usually D — plus extras like dental, vision, and OTC allowances. Many plans are $0 premium.
Learn about Advantage DCovers prescription medications. In 2026, your out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs is capped at $2,100 — a meaningful protection.
Learn about Part DMost Medicare changes happen during a few specific windows each year. Missing them can mean late penalties or being stuck with the wrong plan until next October.
7-month window
Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes that month, and runs 3 months after.
Oct 15 – Dec 7
Switch Medicare Advantage plans, change Part D, or move between Original Medicare and Advantage. Changes take effect Jan 1.
Jan 1 – Mar 31
If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another MA plan or back to Original Medicare + Part D once.
Jan 1 – Mar 31
For people who didn't enroll in Part B when first eligible. Coverage starts the month after enrollment. Late penalties may apply.
More than 2.5 million Ohioans are enrolled in Medicare, with Medicare Advantage penetration among the highest in the country. That competition tends to mean richer benefits and more $0-premium plans in metro Ohio than you'll see in smaller states.
Both national insurers and Ohio-rooted regional plans compete here, which often means richer benefits and more $0-premium options than smaller-market states see. Star Ratings vary by county — the same carrier can be 4.5 stars in one ZIP and 3.5 stars in the next.
Several Ohio Medicare Advantage carriers are non-renewing plans for 2026, hospital-system network contracts are being renegotiated, and some supplemental benefits are being restricted. If you're already enrolled, read your Annual Notice of Change carefully.
For people with both Medicare and Medicaid, the Ohio Department of Medicaid is rolling out Next Generation MyCare in 2026 across 29 counties — including the Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton metros. Coverage is delivered through several contracted managed-care organizations.
OhioMedicare.org is independent — not a government site. If you want to verify anything here, these are the authoritative sources.
The official U.S. Medicare website. Plan Finder, enrollment, and full benefits information.
Visit Medicare.govOhio Senior Health Insurance Information Program. Free, unbiased one-on-one counseling for Ohio residents.
Visit OSHIIPState regulator. Verify a licensed agent, file a complaint, or read Ohio-specific consumer guides.
Ohio DOI