Establish and operate the Ohio Health Care Plan
If enacted, SB177 would significantly reshape healthcare delivery in Ohio by creating a publicly funded healthcare system. It mandates that all residents—regardless of employment status—are eligible for coverage, which could potentially enhance access to healthcare for uninsured populations and those relying on high-cost emergency services due to a lack of preventive care. The Ohio Health Care Board is tasked with managing the system's funding, which will be supported through various taxes, including payroll and income taxes, intended to maintain a balanced budget while limiting administrative costs significantly.
Senate Bill 177, known as the Ohio Health Care Plan, proposes to establish a statewide universal healthcare coverage system for all residents of Ohio. The bill outlines the creation of the Ohio Health Care Agency and Board, which will administer and manage the healthcare program. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive healthcare benefits, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services, mental health services, prescription drugs, and preventative care without copayments or point-of-service charges for the participants. It also emphasizes eliminating coverage discrimination based on various factors including race, age, and health status.
Notably, the bill faces contention over concerns about its funding structure and the implications for private health insurance. Critics argue that the tax burden may increase substantially and that the potential for long waiting times and reduced service quality could ensue as the system adjusts. Additionally, industry stakeholders, including health care providers and insurance companies, express apprehension that the transition might disrupt their current practices and financial models. Proponents, however, maintain that the long-term efficiency and cost savings realized through a streamlined system would outweigh these initial disruptions.