S.B. 177 - Ohio Health Care Plan

• Establishes the Ohio Health Care Plan to provide universal health care coverage to all Ohio residents and individuals employed in the state with a comprehensive benefit package including prescription drugs, preventive care, emergency services, mental health treatment, dental care, and home health services.

• Creates the Ohio Health Care Agency administered by an executive director and directed by a 15-member Ohio Health Care Board composed of the director of health plus 14 members elected by seven regional health advisory committees, with regional representation requirements.

• Provides comprehensive health benefits with no copayments, deductibles, or point-of-service charges; prohibits discrimination based on health status, employment, age, race, disability, or other protected characteristics; guarantees free choice of providers.

• Establishes funding through employer payroll taxes (3.85% first year), business gross receipts taxes (3% first year), and income taxes on compensation above social security limits (6.2%) and on adjusted gross income over $200,000 (5%), plus federal funds from Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs.

• Requires annual budgets for system costs, provider payments, capital investments, pharmaceutical purchases, and research/innovation; limits administrative costs to 5% of system budget; includes cost control measures while protecting emergency and medically necessary care.