Bill > HB289

This bill establishes the Ohio Health Care Plan, a comprehensive universal health care system for all Ohio residents and workers. The plan creates an Ohio Health Care Board and Agency to administer a single, universal health benefits package that covers a wide range of medical services including primary and specialty care, emergency services, mental health treatment, prescription drugs, dental care, vision and hearing services, preventive care, home health care, and more. All residents and workers in Ohio would be eligible for coverage, with no copayments or direct billing allowed. The plan would be funded through multiple sources, including employer payroll taxes, additional income taxes, federal program participation, and other governmental funding sources. A key feature is the elimination of existing health insurance systems, with the Ohio Health Care Plan becoming the primary coverage. The bill also establishes a transition period with a Transition Advisory Group to help implement the system, and includes provisions for addressing potential job displacement in the health insurance industry by providing compensation and retraining for affected workers. The plan aims to provide comprehensive, equitable health care coverage while controlling costs and improving overall health care access and quality for Ohio residents.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb289