Health insurance & Medicare · Columbus, Franklin County
Small-Business Group Health Insurance in Columbus, Ohio
12.6% of Columbus adults aged 19 to 64 have no health insurance, above the Ohio rate of 8.8% (the 3rd-highest uninsured rate for adults 19 to 64 of the 16 Central Ohio communities on this site). Group health, dental and vision options for small Ohio employers, plus help comparing a traditional group plan with alternatives such as an individual coverage HRA (ICHRA) or QSEHRA. Olive, a licensed agent with Manna Financial Services in Fairborn, helps Columbus households compare small-business group health insurance by phone or video, and the first conversation is free.
What matters for small-business group health insurance in Columbus
Franklin County has 30,700 employer businesses, and 28,084 of them have fewer than 50 employees. Small employers are not required to offer health coverage, but many do to hire and keep staff, and an ICHRA or QSEHRA can be an alternative to a traditional group plan.
6.6% of Columbus workers are self-employed (Ohio: 8.0%). Owners often need to cover themselves as well as their team, so we look at personal and business coverage together.
Columbus by the numbers
- 12.6% of Columbus adults aged 19 to 64 have no health insurance, above the Ohio rate of 8.8% (the 3rd-highest uninsured rate for adults 19 to 64 of the 16 Central Ohio communities on this site).
- 6.6% of Columbus workers are self-employed, below the Ohio figure of 8.0%. Self-employed people have no employer plan for health, life or disability coverage.
- The median household income in Columbus is $65,327, below Ohio's $69,680, the 3rd-lowest median household income of the 16 Central Ohio communities on this site.
- 44.3% of Columbus homes are owner-occupied (Ohio: 67.0%), and the median home value is $234,500, above the state median of $199,200.
Employers in Franklin County
| Measure | Franklin County | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Employer businesses | 30,700 | 253,934 |
| With fewer than 50 employees | 28,084 | 236,701 |
| Share that are small (under 50) | 91.5% | 93.2% |
Columbus and nearby communities
| Place | Self-employed | Uninsured adults 19–64 | Median household income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | 6.6% | 12.6% | $65,327 |
| Dublin | 11.7% | 4.1% | $155,282 |
| Westerville | 8.3% | 4.4% | $107,054 |
| New Albany | 11.7% | 4.7% | $232,524 |
| Ohio | 8.0% | 8.8% | $69,680 |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates; U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023.
How we help with small-business group health insurance
- Small-group health, dental and vision quotes from several insurers
- Explain contribution and participation requirements
- Compare a group plan with ICHRA or QSEHRA reimbursement
- Employee enrollment support and renewal reviews
Read our full guide to small-business group health insurance
Rules that apply across Ohio
- Ohio residents buy individual and family plans through the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. Plans and prices vary by county.
- Open Enrollment runs November 1 to January 15. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.
- Outside Open Enrollment, a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby opens a Special Enrollment Period.
- Marketplace premiums are the same with or without an agent. Insurance companies pay the agent.
Questions from Columbus
How many employees do I need for a group plan?
Many Ohio small-group plans start at two enrolled employees, one of whom is not the owner or spouse, but rules vary by insurer. We confirm the requirements for your situation.
How many small businesses are in Franklin County?
28,084 of the 30,700 employer businesses in Franklin County have fewer than 50 employees (U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns 2023).
Do I need to visit an office in Columbus?
No. Olive works with Columbus and Franklin County households by phone or video, so you can compare options from home. Most applications and signatures can be completed online.
Small-Business Group Health Insurance near Columbus
- Dublin, OHFranklin & Delaware Counties
- Westerville, OHFranklin & Delaware Counties
- New Albany, OHFranklin County
- Hilliard, OHFranklin County
- Upper Arlington, OHFranklin County
- Grove City, OHFranklin County
- Gahanna, OHFranklin County
- Reynoldsburg, OHFranklin, Fairfield & Licking Counties
- Worthington, OHFranklin County
Talk with Olive about small-business group health insurance.
Free, no obligation, by phone or video. Or call or text (937) 795-9877.