Caresource medicare review topics come up frequently among dual-eligible beneficiaries in Ohio and Georgia. CareSource is a nonprofit managed care organization founded in 1989 in Dayton, Ohio. The company serves over 2 million members across multiple states. CareSource started as a Medicaid plan and has grown into one of the largest managed care providers in the country.
- CareSource Overview and Financial Strength
- Caresource Medicare Review: Medicare Plan Options
- CareSource Medicare Rates and Enrollment
- CareSource Additional Benefits and Perks
- CareSource Claims Process and Customer Service
- Pros and Cons of CareSource Medicare Plans
- Who Is CareSource Best For?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Today it operates in states including Ohio, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The company focuses heavily on low-income and dual-eligible populations. For beneficiaries who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, CareSource offers specialized plans with rich benefits. This caresource medicare review examines the company’s financial strength, plan options, benefits, and overall value for Medicare enrollees in 2026.
CareSource Overview and Financial Strength
CareSource was founded by Pamela Morris with a mission to expand healthcare access for underserved communities. The company is headquartered in downtown Dayton, Ohio. It operates as a nonprofit managed care organization. CareSource is the largest Medicaid plan in Ohio. It ranks as the second-largest Medicaid managed care provider in the United States. The company completed its $55 million corporate headquarters in 2009. In 2006, CareSource established the CareSource Foundation to support nonprofits serving the underserved.
In January 2026, AM Best assigned CareSource Reinsurance LLC a Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent). The outlook is stable. AM Best noted that CareSource maintains risk-adjusted capitalization at the strongest level. The company holds conservative investments in fixed-income securities. CareSource reported a five-year average return on equity near 58 percent. For the 2026 plan year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded CareSource Ohio a CMS Star Rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Less than 15 percent of plans nationwide earn this distinction.
However, CareSource does face some challenges with consumer complaints. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, CareSource receives more than twice the complaints of an average company its size. The Better Business Bureau gives CareSource an A- rating with accreditation. Any caresource medicare review should weigh these mixed signals carefully. The table below summarizes CareSource’s key ratings from independent sources.
| Rating Source | Score / Grade |
|---|---|
| AM Best Financial Strength | A- (Excellent), Stable Outlook |
| CMS Star Rating (Ohio D-SNP) | 4.5 out of 5 Stars (2026) |
| NAIC Complaint Ratio | Above Average (2x+ national median) |
| JD Power Medicare Advantage | Not Individually Ranked |
| Better Business Bureau | A- (Accredited) |
Caresource Medicare Review: Medicare Plan Options
CareSource focuses primarily on Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, known as D-SNPs. These plans combine Medicare and Medicaid benefits into a single plan. CareSource does not currently offer traditional Medigap supplement plans such as Plan G or Plan N. It also does not sell standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Instead, CareSource targets beneficiaries who qualify for both programs. This is an important distinction in any caresource medicare review.
In Ohio, CareSource offers two main Medicare products for 2026. The first is CareSource Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP). The second is CareSource MyCare Ohio (HMO D-SNP). MyCare Ohio is a fully integrated plan under the Next Generation MyCare Ohio program. The Ohio Department of Medicaid launched this program on January 1, 2026. Expansion to additional Ohio counties is scheduled for April and August 2026. In Georgia, CareSource offers the Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP) plan. As noted on cms.gov, D-SNP plans must meet strict federal requirements for coordinating Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
All CareSource Medicare plans include Part D prescription drug coverage built in. Members pay $0 copays for Medicare and Medicaid covered prescriptions. For example, the MyCare Ohio plan covers insulin, maintenance medications, and specialty drugs at zero cost to the member. CareSource plans operate as HMOs. This means members must typically use in-network providers. As a result, beneficiaries should verify their doctors participate before enrolling.
CareSource Medicare Rates and Enrollment
CareSource D-SNP plans typically charge $0 monthly premiums for dual-eligible members. Medicaid covers the Medicare Part B premium for most enrollees. In most cases, members also pay $0 copays for primary care and specialist visits. This makes CareSource one of the most affordable options for low-income seniors. However, rates can vary by county and specific plan. A thorough caresource medicare review suggests comparing costs through the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov.
Enrollment follows the standard Medicare timeline. The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. Dual-eligible beneficiaries also have a Special Enrollment Period. They can switch D-SNP plans once per quarter during January through September. CareSource accepts enrollment online through its website. Beneficiaries can also call CareSource member services at 1-833-230-2099. Licensed insurance agents in Ohio and Georgia can assist with enrollment as well.
When comparing rates, keep total costs in mind. Many retirees also review other insurance policies during open enrollment season. For example, many Medicare beneficiaries also carry a life insurance policy to protect their family, and you can compare life insurance rates at Life Insure Guide. Taking a holistic view of all insurance costs helps stretch retirement budgets further.
CareSource Additional Benefits and Perks
CareSource D-SNP plans include some of the richest supplemental benefits on the market. The Healthy Benefits+ debit card is a standout feature. MyCare Ohio members receive $287 per month on this card. They can use it for over-the-counter health products, dental services, vision care, and hearing items. Unused funds roll over each month and remain available through the end of 2026. This is a major advantage highlighted in every caresource medicare review.
Dental coverage goes well beyond basic cleanings. CareSource includes preventive care such as exams, cleanings, X-rays, and fluoride treatments. Comprehensive dental services carry a $5,000 annual plan limit. Dental implants are also covered. Vision benefits include a $600 annual allowance toward frames, lenses, or contacts. Routine eye exams cost $0. Members age 60 and older receive one pair of eyeglasses per year. Members ages 21 through 59 receive one pair every two years.
Transportation benefits are unlimited for medical appointments. CareSource provides 14 days of home-delivered meals after each inpatient hospital or skilled nursing stay. Members receive two meals per day during that period. Fitness benefits include access to select fitness centers and a fitness kit with wearable trackers. Additionally, members can earn up to $715 per year through My CareSource Rewards for completing wellness activities. Similarly, retirees should review their homeowners coverage alongside Medicare choices, and they can compare home insurance rates at Home Insure Guide.
CareSource Claims Process and Customer Service
CareSource provides member services at 1-833-230-2099, with TTY access at 711. Phone support is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The company offers a mobile app available on both Apple App Store and Google Play. Members can check claims, view benefits, and find providers through the app. The My CareSource online portal provides similar self-service features.
For the 2026 plan year, CMS awarded CareSource Ohio the highest possible marks for member experience and satisfaction. The plan also received top scores for medication adherence among members with diabetes. These results suggest strong care coordination. However, the NAIC complaint data paints a less favorable picture. CareSource receives more than double the complaints of a typical insurer its size. Common issues cited in BBB reviews include delayed reimbursements and denied coverage claims. This caresource medicare review recommends weighing the strong CMS scores against the higher complaint volume.
CareSource is not individually ranked in the JD Power Medicare Advantage Study. Typically, smaller regional plans are excluded from these rankings. The industry average satisfaction score was 623 out of 1,000 in 2025. Without a specific score, it is difficult to benchmark CareSource against national competitors on this metric.
Pros and Cons of CareSource Medicare Plans
Pros:
- 4.5-star CMS rating for Ohio D-SNP plan — top 15 percent nationally
- $0 monthly premium and $0 prescription drug copays for dual-eligible members
- $287 per month Healthy Benefits+ debit card for OTC, dental, vision, and hearing
- Comprehensive dental coverage including implants with a $5,000 annual limit
- Unlimited transportation to medical appointments
- AM Best A- (Excellent) financial strength rating with stable outlook
Cons:
- Limited availability — D-SNP plans offered only in Ohio and Georgia for 2026
- No Medigap supplement plans or standalone Part D drug plans available
- NAIC complaint ratio is more than double the national average
- HMO network restrictions require using in-network providers only
Who Is CareSource Best For?
This caresource medicare review concludes that CareSource is best for dual-eligible beneficiaries in Ohio and Georgia. Members who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid will find exceptional value. The $0 premiums, $0 drug copays, and generous monthly benefits card make CareSource hard to beat for this population. The 4.5-star CMS rating confirms strong clinical quality and member satisfaction.
CareSource is especially strong for seniors who need comprehensive dental care. The $5,000 annual dental limit with implant coverage exceeds most competitors. The unlimited transportation benefit is valuable for rural members. In most cases, dual-eligible seniors in CareSource service areas should strongly consider these plans. However, CareSource is not the right fit for everyone. Beneficiaries who want a PPO network or Medigap supplement coverage will need to look elsewhere.
For 2026, CareSource continues to expand its reach through the Next Generation MyCare Ohio program. As a result, more Ohio counties will gain access throughout the year. Any caresource medicare review should note this company’s deep commitment to serving low-income and dual-eligible populations. If you live in Ohio or Georgia and qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, CareSource deserves serious consideration. Compare your options through the Medicare Plan Finder to see how CareSource stacks up against other D-SNP plans in your county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CareSource offer Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans?
No, CareSource does not sell Medigap plans such as Plan G or Plan N. The company focuses exclusively on Medicare Advantage D-SNP plans for dual-eligible members. As a result, beneficiaries wanting traditional supplement coverage should look at other carriers.
What states offer CareSource Medicare Advantage plans in 2026?
CareSource offers D-SNP Medicare Advantage plans in Ohio and Georgia for the 2026 plan year. In Ohio, the company also offers the fully integrated MyCare Ohio plan. However, CareSource does not currently offer Medicare plans in all states where it provides Medicaid coverage.
How do I know if I qualify for a CareSource D-SNP plan?
You must be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid to enroll in a CareSource D-SNP plan. Typically, this means you have Medicare Part A and Part B plus full Medicaid benefits. For example, you can check your eligibility through your state Medicaid office or by calling CareSource at 1-833-230-2099.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on Medicare plans, ratings, and enrollment:
- Medicare.gov (Official): medicare.gov
- CMS.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid): cms.gov
- AM Best (Financial Strength Ratings): ambest.com
- NAIC (Complaint Ratios): naic.org
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): shiphelp.org
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): kff.org
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.