OHP Bridge and the Marketplace

What is OHP Bridge?

OHP Bridge is a new OHP benefit that started July 1, 2024. It covers adults up to age 65 with income up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) who do not have access to other affordable health insurance. Adults must have an eligible citizenship or immigration status to qualify.  

OHP Bridge covers medical, dental and behavioral health care. Members have access to additional OHP Plus benefits like rides to appointments and health services. OHP Bridge does not cover long-term services and supports or Health Related Social Needs. Just like OHP Plus, OHP Bridge is free to members. That means no premiums, no co-payments, no coinsurance, and no deductibles. 

When will Marketplace enrollees be able to move to OHP Bridge?

People with Marketplace plans have the option to apply for OHP Bridge as of July 1, 2024. Those found eligible would be enrolled in OHP Bridge. People who are found eligible for OHP Bridge on or before the 15^th of the month will have benefits starting the first of the next month. If found eligible after the 15^th of the month, benefits will begin the first of the following month. People will need to contact HealthCare.gov to cancel their Marketplace coverage once enrolled in OHP Bridge. 

Will Marketplace enrollees be automatically moved to OHP Bridge?

No. People with Marketplace plans will not be automatically moved to OHP Bridge. It is important to know that if someone makes any updates to their Marketplace application, like a change in contact information or income, their information will be sent to the state to determine eligibility. The state may request more information before deciding eligibility. People eligible for OHP Bridge will no longer be eligible for Marketplace-based financial help, like tax credits. People eligible for OHP Bridge will need to cancel their Marketplace health plan, it will not cancel on its own.

Will Marketplace plans cancel automatically when someone moves to OHP Bridge?

No. It is important that people who are found eligible for OHP Bridge cancel their Marketplace plan. They can do this by logging in to HealthCare.gov or by calling the HealthCare.gov call center (800-318-2596). People who need to cancel Marketplace coverage for some enrollees in the household, but not everyone, should call the HealthCare.gov call center. Marketplace enrollees found eligible for OHP Bridge will no longer be eligible for Marketplace-based financial help.

Will Marketplace enrollees be required to move to OHP Bridge?

People with Marketplace plans did not automatically move to OHP Bridge when it launched. If someone with a Marketplace plan is eligible for OHP Bridge, they can keep their coverage and financial help until their automatic re-enrollment period ends.     

How can Marketplace enrollees keep their Marketplace plan?

People with Marketplace plans can keep their 2024 plan year coverage through December 2024 if they do not make updates to their application. Updates include changing contact information, family size, income, etc. They can also keep their plan for up to two more years (2025 and 2026) if they agree to auto-enroll for the next plan year. They must also refrain from making updates to their application in 2025 and 2026. People enrolled in Marketplace plans who have experienced changes MUST update their application. Updates must be reported even if they cause people to move to OHP Bridge. This includes changes like moving or an increase or decrease in income. If they do not update their application, they may lose financial help from the Marketplace.

Will people who keep their Marketplace plan but are eligible for OHP Bridge need to repay financial help?

People will not be subject to tax credit reconciliation even if their income is within the OHP Bridge range. However, other reconciliation rules would still apply like they would for others in Marketplace plans. This includes rules like income calculations or caps on repayment.