Reps. Rader, Grim Reintroduce Ohio Health Care Plan: Universal, Single-Payer Coverage for All Ohioans

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) and Michele Grim (D-Toledo) today announced the reintroduction of the Ohio Health Care Plan, landmark legislation that would establish a single-payer, universal health care system to guarantee comprehensive medical, dental, and vision services for every Ohioan—regardless of income, employment, or health status.

“Health care is a human right, and it’s time we reflect that in our policy,” said Rep. Rader. “Too many Ohioans are uninsured, underinsured, or one medical emergency away from financial catastrophe. This plan ensures that every resident has access to the care they need without co-pays, deductibles, or surprise bills.”

The proposed legislation, House Bill (HB) 289, would create the Ohio Health Care Agency, overseen by a democratically elected Ohio Health Care Board, which would manage a single public fund to pay providers for necessary services. Under the plan:

• All Ohio residents would be covered for hospital care, outpatient services, prescription drugs, mental health services, dental and vision care, medical supplies, and transportation;
• Patients would have full freedom to choose their providers;
• There would be no out-of-pocket costs, no exclusions for pre-existing conditions, and no disruption to care due to job loss or income changes; and
• Services would begin two years after passage to allow for a comprehensive and smooth transition.

“I’m proud to support the Ohio Health Care Plan. Medical debt should not exist. Families shouldn’t face financial ruin just because someone got sick. The Ohio Health Care Plan would guarantee health care for every Ohioan,” said Rep. Grim. “No copays, no deductibles, no surprise bills. Ohioans are struggling under our current system; they deserve a chance to access the healthcare they need without fear of bankruptcy or medical debt.”

The Ohio Health Care Board will also seek federal waivers to integrate Medicare and Medicaid into the state plan. Until those waivers are secured, the Ohio Health Care Plan will serve as a secondary insurer for eligible individuals.

To guide implementation, the legislation creates a Technical and Medical Advisory Board, composed of provider and consumer advocates, and established a Division of Consumer Affairs to represent patient interests statewide.

The plan will be funded by a combination of employer payroll contributions (up to 3.85%), a gross receipts tax on businesses (up to 3%), a 6.2% tax on personal income in excess of the amount subject to the Social Security payroll tax, and a 5% surtax on income above $200,000. These funds are in addition to existing state and federal dollars already used in Ohio for services rendered under Medicaid and Medicare. Importantly, 91% of Ohioans would see no increase in their taxes under the proposal.

“This is an investment in a healthier, more equitable future for our state,” said Rep. Rader. “It’s about dignity, economic security, and common sense.”

HB 289 was referred to the House Insurance Committee and awaits a first hearing.