Gap in insurance coverage can be costly for Ohioans

Although health insurers in Ohio are required by law to offer coverage to everyone, there is no stipulation that the coverage has to be affordable. In fact, insurers have been known to offer policies for $50,000 a year or more (Source: “Health-coverage gap can be big problem,” Akron Beacon Journal, June 24, 2008).

Those in greatest danger of facing such high insurance costs are those with chronic conditions who have allowed their insurance to lapse for 62 days. After that time, Ohio law allows insurance companies to consider preexisting conditions when setting the price for a policy.

As State Rep. Jim Raussen, R-Springdale, chairman of the Ohio House's Health Care Access and Affordability Committee puts it, ''If you are healthy in the state of Ohio and you have a pretty decent job, health-care coverage is affordable. Where do we get in trouble? Chronic illnesses and pre-existing conditions.''