Bill > HB21

This bill enacts the Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act, which provides legal protections and tax benefits for health care sharing ministries (HCSMs) in Ohio. The bill defines an HCSM as a nonprofit organization that limits participants to those sharing common ethical or religious beliefs, facilitates financial and medical need assistance among members, provides for members' needs through contributions from other participants, and operates without assuming risk or promising payment. Key provisions include establishing that HCSMs are not considered insurance companies and are not subject to insurance regulations, granting the Attorney General exclusive authority to determine if an organization qualifies as an HCSM, and requiring state institutions of higher education to accept HCSM participation as satisfying health coverage requirements for students. The bill also adds a tax deduction for HCSM membership fees, allowing individuals to deduct the amount paid for participation for themselves, their spouse, and dependents. Additionally, the bill ensures that HCSMs' rights and protections are preserved under the Ohio and U.S. Constitutions and common law, specifically referencing the Humphrey v. Lane legal precedent.

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