Ohio House Passes Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act

State Representative Angie King (R-Celina) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 21 - legislation that updates Ohio law to clarify health care sharing ministries are not considered insurance businesses and are exempt from state insurance laws and regulations.

"This legislation provides important clarity for Ohioans who choose to participate in health care sharing ministries," said Rep. King. "This clarification ensures these organizations are not burdened by unnecessary regulation, protects religious freedom, and preserves affordable, community-based options for families across our state."

House Bill 21 works to do the following:

• Specify that health care sharing ministries are not insurance businesses, therefore they are not subject to Ohio insurance laws.
• Clarify that participation in a health care sharing ministry satisfies any college or university health coverage requirement.
• Authorize a personal income tax deduction for membership dues paid to a health care sharing ministry.

House Bill 21 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.