Lima Reporter

State Representative Angie King (R-Celina) has introduced legislation protecting health care sharing ministries within Ohio borders. The bill, known as the Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act, aims to safeguard these organizations and their members.

According to King, "In the United States 1.7 million people rely on sharing plans, more than 25,000 in Ohio." She emphasized that these organizations play a crucial role by "helping to cover major medical expenses, while allowing members to hold on to and support their religious and ethical beliefs."

The legislation ensures that Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs) are recognized as religious charities rather than insurance companies. It also dictates that HCSMs are regulated as charities under the authority of the Attorney General rather than the Department of Insurance. The bill, already adopted by 33 other states, aims to provide a framework for the operation and oversight of HCSMs in Ohio.

HCSMs are faith-based, non-profit membership organizations that facilitate the sharing of medical expenses among their members. They are also recognized under the Affordable Care Act, with members exempt from the requirement to maintain minimum essential medical coverage.

For an organization to be identified as an HCSM in Ohio, it must meet specific requirements such as being organized around common ethical or religious beliefs, providing annual audits by independent certified public accounting firms, and including a disclaimer that they are not insurance companies.

The legislation also allows for income tax deductions for contributions made to HCSMs or other members through HCSMs. Additionally, it specifies that HCSM members who are students at state institutions of higher education are exempt from the institution's health insurance requirement.

As of now, the legislation introduced by Rep. Angie King has not been assigned to a House committee for further review and discussion.