King’s Freedom to Share Act Passes House Committee

COLUMBUS – State Representative Angie King (R-Celina) legislation protecting health care sharing ministries within Ohio borders has passed out of the House Insurance Committee Tuesday.

The Freedom to Share Act will recognize faith-based, non-profit membership, health care sharing organizations as Health Care Sharing Ministries rather than insurance companies.

While traditional health insurance is most common and meets the needs of many, it is not the only way to pay for health care. Health care sharing is one of those options. HCSM facilitate the sharing of medical expenses among their members.

“In the United States 1.7 million people rely on sharing plans, more than 25,000 in Ohio,” said King. “These organizations provide an essential service, helping to cover major medical expenses, while allowing members to hold on to and support their religious and ethical beliefs.”

The bill ensures HCSMs are rightfully regulated as charities under the authority of the Attorney General rather than the Department of Insurance.

HCSMs are also recognized under the Affordable Care Act and members have been granted an exemption from the requirement to maintain minimum essential medical coverage.

In Ohio, for an organization to identify as an HSCM they must meet the following requirements:

• Are organized around and whose members share a common set of ethical or religious beliefs.
• Provide the public an annual audit by an independent certified public accounting firm.
• Include a written disclaimer on materials that the organization is not an insurance company.
• Allows an income tax deduction for contributions made to an HCSM or to other members through an HCSM.
• Specifies that HCSM members who are students at a state institution of higher education are exempt from such institution’s health insurance requirement.

House Bill will now head to the House floor for vote by all members.

State Representative Angie King was elected in November 2022 to the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 84th House District, serving residents of Mercer, Darke and Auglaize counties.