Bill > HB21

This bill enacts the Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act, which provides legal protections and clarifications for health care sharing ministries (HCSMs) in Ohio. The bill defines an HCSM as a nonprofit organization with specific characteristics, including: limiting membership to those who share common ethical or religious beliefs, retaining members who develop medical conditions, facilitating financial assistance among participants, and providing contributions without assuming risk or promising payment. The bill explicitly states that HCSMs are not considered insurance companies and are not subject to insurance regulations. It also requires HCSMs to conduct annual independent audits, provide annual reports on shared medical needs, and include a specific disclaimer on their application materials explaining that participation is voluntary and not insurance. Additionally, the bill requires state higher education institutions to accept a student's participation in an HCSM as satisfying health coverage requirements, and allows taxpayers to deduct amounts paid for HCSM membership from their Ohio adjusted gross income. The changes are designed to provide legal clarity and support for faith-based health care sharing organizations, ensuring they can operate with greater certainty under Ohio law.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb21