Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Ohio Insurance Partner for Medicare & Employee Benefits
Since 1978, Central Ohio Group has specialized in providing tailored insurance solutions for seniors, families, and businesses. As a brokerage firm, we act as an intermediary between clients and over 40 top-tier insurance carriers, ensuring access to comprehensive health, life, Medicare, and employee benefit plans. Our approach emphasizes personalized guidance through a single point of contact, prioritizing client needs over carrier-specific offerings. With expertise in identifying coverage gaps and customizing plans, we serve as advocates during enrollment and renewal processes.Our team of experienced agents delivers support for group benefits, individual health insurance, and Medicare supplements, focusing on long-term client satisfaction. Community involvement remains central to our mission, reflected in partnerships with local organizations and educational initiatives. Operating with integrity and transparency, we aim to simplify insurance decisions while maintaining a commitment to quality products and exceptional customer service.
Services
Medicare Plans
Employee Benefits
Individual Health Insurance
Annuities
Group Insurance
Medicare Supplements
Life Insurance
Dental/Vision Coverage
Disability Plans
Critical Illness Insurance
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We provide unbiased access to 40+ insurance carriers, ensuring optimal plan options.
- Our team offers personalized guidance through complex Medicare and group benefit decisions.
- Community-focused approach with local expertise in Ashland and surrounding Ohio areas.
- Experienced agents specialize in identifying coverage gaps and customizing affordable solutions.
- We maintain a single point of contact model for seamless, end-to-end client support.
Services
Medicare Plans
Central Ohio Group specializes in Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans. Our experts analyze prescription needs, budget constraints, and healthcare usage patterns to identify gaps in coverage. We streamline enrollment during annual election periods while providing ongoing support for policy adjustments as needs evolve.
Employee Benefits
We design competitive benefits packages including health, dental, vision, and disability coverage. Our process involves carrier comparisons, cost analysis, and implementation support to help employers attract talent while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Specialized plans accommodate small to mid-sized businesses.
Individual Health Insurance
Tailored solutions for self-employed individuals and those without employer-sponsored plans. Services include plan comparisons across carriers, budget-friendly option identification, and application assistance for ACA-compliant policies with essential benefits and preventive care coverage.
People
Connor Tharp
President
Joined Central Ohio Group in 2018 with a background in health and life insurance sales. Graduated from Ohio Northern University and brings specialized expertise in Medicare policy advising.
Rhett Harris
Vice President, Medicare Specialist
Certified Medicare expert since 2020 with previous sales and management experience. Focuses on simplifying complex insurance choices while maintaining a global perspective on healthcare solutions.
Gina Ashley
Executive Vice President
Senior leader with 30+ years in insurance underwriting and sales. Specializes in Medicare plans and group policy renewals, combining technical expertise with client-focused service delivery.
Brian Vess
Broker's Broker Sales
Tenured agent since 2014 with comprehensive knowledge of group health and Medicare supplements. Prioritizes client-first approach while managing broker partnerships across Ohio markets.
Karen Gilkison
Medicare & Small Group Sales
Certified Medicare specialist with 20+ years in health benefits. Established satellite offices to expand coverage access, focusing on simplifying insurance decisions for seniors.
Questions
How do I choose the right Medicare plan?
Our specialists analyze your medications, budget, and healthcare needs to recommend optimal Medicare Advantage or Supplement Plans tailored to your specific requirements.
What employee benefits packages do you offer?
We provide comprehensive group health, dental, vision, disability, and critical illness plans customized to meet employer and employee needs while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Do you only serve businesses in Ashland?
While headquartered in Ashland, we serve clients statewide with dedicated agents supporting areas including Wayne County and surrounding Ohio communities.
How do I prepare for a consultation?
Bring your medications list, current insurance details, zip code, and healthcare goals to ensure we create a precise coverage analysis during your initial meeting.
What makes you different from carrier representatives?
As independent brokers, we present options from multiple carriers rather than limited in-house products, always prioritizing your best interests without obligation to any provider.
Are there resources for understanding insurance terms?
Yes, our agents provide educational materials explaining premiums, deductibles, networks, and coverage limitations to help clients make informed decisions.
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