Ohio is a state with a strong working-class identity — and a healthcare system that has not always served working Ohioans well.

While Ohio expanded Medicaid and has a relatively robust insurance market, millions of Ohioans are still underinsured — technically covered but facing deductibles and copays so high that they effectively pay out of pocket for most of their healthcare. Millions more are self-employed, work in the gig economy, or work in industries where employer-sponsored coverage is limited or nonexistent.

If you are an Ohio resident who is tired of paying too much for healthcare you can barely use, this guide is for you.

Ohio's Healthcare Affordability Problem

Ohio has expanded Medicaid, which has helped reduce the uninsured rate. But the underinsurance problem is significant. Many Ohioans have high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that require them to pay $3,000–$7,000 out of pocket before insurance kicks in for most services.

For a factory worker in Youngstown, a freelancer in Columbus, or a small business owner in Cincinnati, a $5,000 deductible is not insurance — it is a financial trap.

The state also has a large population of:

• Manufacturing and industrial workers who may have lost coverage during plant closures or industry shifts
• Gig economy workers in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati
• Small business owners who cannot afford group insurance
• Agricultural workers in rural Ohio
• Freelancers and independent contractors across all industries

For these Ohioans, traditional insurance is either unaffordable or provides far less value than the premium suggests.

Ohio's Opioid and Mental Health Crisis

Ohio has been significantly impacted by the opioid epidemic and has above-average rates of mental health conditions including depression and anxiety. Access to mental health care — without a referral, without a copay, and without a waiting list — is not a luxury for many Ohioans. It is a necessity.

NuwayUSA includes access to licensed therapists and counselors at no additional cost to members. This is included in the Individual and Family plans — no referral, no copay, no waiting list.

How NuwayUSA Serves Ohio Residents

NuwayUSA is a healthcare membership — not insurance — that gives Ohio residents real access to real care at a flat monthly rate, with no copays and no deductibles.

Unlimited Telehealth — Available Statewide

Connect with a licensed provider through Lyric from anywhere in Ohio. Whether you are in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, or a rural community in Appalachian Ohio, telehealth gives you access to care without driving to a clinic or paying a per-visit fee.

Unlimited visits. No copay. Included in your membership.

815 No-Cost Prescriptions

NuwayUSA includes 815 medications dispensed through partner pharmacies at no additional cost. The formulary covers the conditions most prevalent among Ohio residents:

• Blood pressure (Lisinopril, Amlodipine, Metoprolol, Losartan)
• Type 2 diabetes (Metformin, Glipizide, Glimepiride)
• High cholesterol (Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin)
• Mental health (Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Escitalopram, Buspirone, Bupropion)
• Thyroid (Levothyroxine)
• Antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin)
• Asthma (Albuterol, Montelukast)
• Acid reflux (Omeprazole, Pantoprazole)
• Nerve pain (Gabapentin)

Ohio has above-average rates of diabetes, hypertension, and mental health conditions. NuwayUSA's formulary is built to address exactly these conditions — at no additional cost to members.

Specialist Access Without a Referral

Through Lyric, NuwayUSA members can access specialists — dermatology, women's health, pediatrics, and more — without a referral and without the weeks-long wait that traditional insurance requires.

Mental Health and Therapy — Included

NuwayUSA includes access to licensed therapists and counselors at no additional cost. For Ohio residents dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress, mental health support is included in the Individual and Family plans — no referral, no copay, no waiting list.

Coverage Starts Within 2 Hours

Enroll today and connect with a licensed provider the same day. No waiting periods. No medical exams.

NuwayUSA Plans for Ohio Residents

Plan	Monthly Cost	Best For
NuWay Rx	$49/mo	Households who primarily need prescription coverage
NuwayUSA Individual	$99/mo	Individuals who want full telehealth + prescriptions
NuwayUSA Family	$159/mo	Families who want coverage for everyone in the household

All plans include no copays, no deductibles, and no surprise bills.

NuwayUSA vs. Ohio Health Insurance

Traditional insurance (individual, Ohio average):

• Monthly premium: $430
• Annual deductible: $4,200
• Copay per visit: $40
• Prescription copay: $20–$60 per medication
• Estimated annual cost: $7,500–$11,000+

NuwayUSA Individual:

• Monthly membership: $99
• Copay: $0
• Deductible: $0
• Prescriptions: $0 (815 included)
• Estimated annual cost: $1,188

For everyday healthcare needs — telehealth visits, prescriptions, mental health, specialist consultations — NuwayUSA delivers more value at a fraction of the cost.

Who Is NuwayUSA Best For in Ohio?

NuwayUSA is an excellent fit for Ohio residents who are:

• Underinsured with a high-deductible plan that barely covers routine care
• Uninsured and need real healthcare access now
• Manufacturing or industrial workers without adequate coverage
• Gig workers and independent contractors
• Small business owners who cannot afford group insurance
• Between jobs and facing COBRA sticker shock
• Rural residents in Appalachian Ohio who lack nearby in-person providers

NuwayUSA is not a substitute for major medical insurance. It does not cover hospitalization, surgery, or emergency room visits. Many members pair NuwayUSA with a catastrophic plan for major events while using NuwayUSA for everyday care.

Your Privacy Is Protected

NuwayUSA operates completely outside the insurance ecosystem. Your visits, diagnoses, and prescriptions are never reported to the MIB (Medical Information Bureau) or any insurance database. Your health information stays private and cannot be used to raise your future insurance premiums.

Getting Started in Ohio

Enrollment takes minutes. Coverage starts within 2 hours. No medical exams, no waiting periods, no long-term contracts — cancel any time.

Ohio residents deserve better healthcare options. NuwayUSA is one of them.