Committee hears third hearing on bill to let Farm Bureau offer non‑insurance health products

The Ohio House Insurance Committee on Oct. 12 took public testimony in a third hearing on House Bill 99, which would authorize the Ohio Farm Bureau to offer member‑only health benefit coverage that proponents say is not insurance and therefore would be exempt from state insurance laws. The committee accepted an amendment to the bill offered by Representative Barhorst clarifying that the health care benefit coverage “is not insurance” and “is not subject to state insurance laws,” and the amendment was adopted without objection.

Why it matters: Supporters said the Farm Bureau plans fill a gap for people who lack employer coverage and do not qualify for subsidies on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Opponents said the bill would let plans avoid statutory consumer protections — including rules affecting coverage of screenings, out‑of‑pocket limits and appeals — and could leave people with serious conditions without meaningful recourse.

Ben Sanders…