Lima Reporter

State Representative Angie King (R-Celina) has introduced legislation protecting health care sharing ministries within Ohio borders. King’s legislation, known as the Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act, will ensure that HCSMs are recognized as religious charities rather than insurance companies.

"In the United States 1.7 million people rely on sharing plans, more than 25,000 in Ohio," said King. "These organizations provide an essential service, helping to cover major medical expenses, while allowing members to hold on to and support their religious and ethical beliefs."

The bill, which has been adopted by 33 other states, ensures HCSMs are rightfully regulated as charities under the authority of the Attorney General rather than the Department of Insurance. HCSMs are faith-based, non-profit membership organizations that facilitate the sharing of medical expenses among their members.

HCSMs are also recognized under the Affordable Care Act, and members have been granted an exemption from the requirement to maintain minimum essential medical coverage. In Ohio, for an organization to identify as an HSCM, they must meet specific requirements, including being organized around common ethical or religious beliefs, providing an annual audit by an independent certified public accounting firm, and including a disclaimer that they are not an insurance company.

The legislation further allows an income tax deduction for contributions made to an HCSM or to other members through an HCSM and specifies that HCSM members who are students at a state institution of higher education are exempt from that institution’s health insurance requirement.

The legislation has not yet been assigned to a House committee.