OH HB174

Creates the Ohio Health Care Plan to provide universal and affordable health care coverage for all Ohio residents and individuals employed in the state, including homeless and migrant workers.

Establishes the Ohio Health Care Board (15 voting members including the director of health) and Ohio Health Care Agency to administer the plan, with seven regional health advisory committees overseeing regional complaints and operations.

Provides comprehensive benefits including inpatient/outpatient care, emergency services, prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and home health services with no copayments or cost-sharing for enrollees.

Funds the plan through employer payroll taxes (up to 3.85% in year one), business gross receipts taxes (up to 3%), income taxes on compensation above Social Security limits (6.2%), and income taxes on high earners (5% on income over $200,000), plus federal funding from Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs.

Establishes separate budgets for system operations, provider payments, capital investments, purchasing, and research/innovation, with the board limited to 5% administrative costs and authority to implement cost control measures while protecting emergency and medically necessary care.