Lima Reporter

State Representative Angie King has reintroduced legislation aimed at protecting Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSM) in Ohio. The bill, known as the Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act, seeks to ensure these ministries are recognized as religious charities and not subject to state health insurance laws.

Health Care Sharing Ministries are faith-based organizations that allow members to share medical expenses, offering an alternative to traditional health insurance. King's proposed legislation would regulate HCSMs under the Ohio Attorney General's authority rather than the Department of Insurance. Similar measures have been enacted in 33 other states.

"Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSM) offer a valuable alternative to traditional insurance, and I fully support the right of individuals to choose this option," said King. "Ensuring their rightful classification in Ohio is vital to both our overall healthcare system and the free exercise of religion in Ohio. This is why I have re-introduced this legislation."

Across the United States, 1.7 million people use sharing plans for medical expenses, including over 25,000 residents in Ohio. Under the Affordable Care Act, HCSMs are recognized and participants are exempt from federal requirements for minimum essential coverage.

In Ohio, an organization must meet specific criteria to be classified as an HSCM: they must be organized around shared ethical or religious beliefs; provide annual audits by independent certified public accountants; include disclaimers stating they are not insurance companies; allow income tax deductions for contributions; and specify exemptions for student members from state institution health insurance requirements.

The legislation has been referred to the House Insurance Committee and is pending a hearing.