Ohio could soon make it easier to use a religious alternative to health insurance.

Called health care sharing ministries, these nonprofits allow members to pay for the health care costs of others who share a common set of ethical or religious beliefs, typically Christian. Dues are often lower than health insurance premiums.

"We're a facilitator. We're not an insurer," said Dorsey Morrow, CEO of Jackson Township-based Liberty HealthShare, likening the nonprofit to a church passing around an offering basket to collect money for an attendee's surgery. "Members contribute each month, and we effectively try to go broke each month."

King's House Bill 21 , which passed 64-31 on Nov. 12, would:

Allow Ohioans to deduct their monthly contributions from their taxes.

Require health care sharing

See Full Page