Individual & Family Health Insurance in Newark & Central Ohio
Whether you're self-employed, between jobs, or covering your whole family, we'll help you compare plans and find coverage that makes sense.
- Individual & family plans
- Help with subsidies & eligibility
- No-obligation review
Based in Newark, Ohio, and serving clients in 37 states by phone and video. See our licensed states.
Plans built around you
We help you compare what matters most.
- Your doctors & hospitals
- Your prescriptions
- Your monthly budget
- Possible savings eligibility
Want Prices Right Now? Get an Instant Quote Online.
Use our secure personalized quote tool to see health plan options and estimated prices in minutes, any time of day. Prefer guidance? Fill out the form and a licensed agent will walk you through it.
Quotes are estimates. Final rates and eligibility are determined by the insurance company.
Coverage for Every Stage of Life
Self-Employed & Freelancers
Coverage that moves with you, not your employer.
Families
Plans that cover the whole household, from pediatric care to specialists.
Between Jobs
Bridge the gap after losing employer coverage.
Early Retirees (Under 65)
Stay protected until you're Medicare-eligible.
Life Changes
Marriage, a new baby, or a move can open a Special Enrollment Period.
Individuals
Straightforward coverage for doctor visits, prescriptions, and the unexpected.
What We'll Help You Compare
- Monthly premiums and deductibles: find the right balance for your budget.
- Doctor and hospital networks: check whether your preferred providers are in-network.
- Prescription coverage: see how your medications are covered.
- Out-of-pocket maximums: know your worst-case costs up front.
- Savings eligibility: find out if you may qualify for premium tax credits on Marketplace plans.
Getting Covered Is Easier Than You Think
Share Your Details.
ZIP code, household size, and any doctors or prescriptions you want covered.
Compare Side by Side.
We'll show you plan options and explain the trade-offs in plain English.
Enroll with Support.
We'll help you complete enrollment and answer questions along the way.
Request Your Free Health Insurance Quote
Answer a few quick questions and a licensed agent will reach out with options that fit.
In a hurry?
See options and estimated prices any time with our secure instant quote tool.
Get an instant quote online →Health Insurance in Ohio: What to Know Before You Choose
Ohio uses the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov for individual and family plans. For 2027 coverage, Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027; enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1 (source: Ohio Department of Insurance). As a Newark, Ohio health insurance agent serving Licking County, we can help you shop those same Marketplace plans, check subsidy eligibility and enroll, at no extra cost to you.
Marketplace (ACA) plans and premium tax credits
Marketplace plans cover essential health benefits such as doctor visits, emergency care, hospital stays, prescriptions, maternity and mental health care, and they cannot turn you down for pre-existing conditions. Depending on household size and income, you may qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly premium, and some lower-income households may qualify for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans. We estimate what you may qualify for before you apply.
Bronze, Silver, Gold: choosing a metal level
Metal levels describe how you and the plan split costs, not the quality of care. Bronze plans usually have lower premiums and higher deductibles, which can suit healthy people who mainly want protection from big bills. Silver and Gold plans cost more each month but pay more when you use care. We look at how often you see the doctor, your prescriptions and your budget to find the right balance.
HMO vs. PPO and Central Ohio networks
Network type matters as much as price. HMO and EPO plans generally require in-network care, while PPO plans offer some out-of-network coverage at a higher cost. If you want to keep doctors at Licking Memorial, OhioHealth, Mount Carmel or Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, we check each plan's directory before you enroll. Networks change, so always confirm.
Coverage for the self-employed, early retirees and families
Self-employed Ohioans, gig workers and small business owners often buy individual coverage and may be able to deduct premiums. Early retirees under 65 can bridge to Medicare with a Marketplace plan; when you near 65, see our Medicare guidance. Families can add dental and vision coverage and protect income with life insurance.
Lost your job's coverage?
Losing employer coverage usually opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. Compare COBRA against Marketplace options; with reduced income, a Marketplace plan with a tax credit is often less expensive. Call (740) 272-5655 and we will compare both.
Health Insurance FAQs
Most people enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period, which typically runs from November 1 to January 15 in most states (dates can vary by state). Outside that window, a qualifying life event such as losing coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving may let you enroll during a Special Enrollment Period.
Often, yes. Every plan has its own provider network, so we'll check whether your doctors and preferred hospitals are in-network before you choose.
Depending on your household income and size, you may qualify for premium tax credits on Marketplace plans. We'll help you see what you may be eligible for.
A deductible is what you pay for covered care before your plan starts sharing costs. An out-of-pocket maximum is the most you'd pay for covered services in a plan year. After you reach it, the plan pays 100% of covered costs.
Losing employer coverage usually qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period, typically within 60 days. We can help you compare individual plans and other options quickly.
No. Our consultation and quotes are free. We are typically compensated by the insurance company when you enroll.
No. Health Shield is an independent, licensed agency. We can help you shop and enroll in Marketplace plans and other options, but we are not the government Marketplace.
Marketplace (ACA) plans cannot deny you or charge more because of a pre-existing condition. Some other types of coverage can, which is why we explain the differences.
It depends on age, ZIP code, tobacco use, plan level and household income. Many households qualify for premium tax credits. A quick quote shows your actual options.
A window outside Open Enrollment, usually 60 days after a qualifying event such as losing coverage, marriage, a new baby or moving, when you can enroll in a plan.