Policy Spotlight
HEALTHCARE CLOSE TO HOME
The Ohio Community Health Access Act. Care You Can Afford.
A Common-Sense Solution
Too many Ohioans are forced to choose between putting gas in the tank to drive two hours to a clinic or putting food on the table. The Ohio Community Health Access Act (OCHAA) is a common-sense solution to fix our state’s healthcare deserts and bring costs down for working families.
This isn't just another government program. It is a partnership between the state and our medical community to ensure that where you live doesn't determine if you live.
The Plan
How It Works
The "One-Hour Guarantee"
No Ohio resident should have to travel more than one hour to reach quality basic care.
We are establishing a network of Community Health Centers in every corner of the state, from rural Appalachia to urban neighborhoods. Emergency rooms stop being the only option for minor issues, lowering costs for everyone.
Care That Fits Your Budget
Medical debt shouldn't be a life sentence.
- No Cost Care: If you are struggling, you get the care you need for $0.
- Insurance Accepted: We bill private insurance and Medicaid first to keep the system sustainable.
Ohio Doctors for Ohio Families
A partnership with our medical professionals.
Just like lawyers are required to do pro bono work, doctors will complete 40 total hours of continued medical education and volunteer service every two years at a Community Health Center to keep their license. This brings great doctors to the people who need them most without costing a lot of extra money. In return, doctors pay less in taxes for helping out. Everyone wins.
Why This Matters
It’s About Fairness
Right now, if you live in a county without a hospital, a simple check-up is a day-long ordeal. This law levels the playing field so rural and underserved urban communities get the same access as the suburbs.
It’s About Fiscal Responsibility
When care is delayed until it is an emergency, costs skyrocket. Medical debt shouldn't be a life sentence. Community Health Centers provide early care that saves lives and saves the state millions.
It’s About Community
This plan uses the talent we already have in Ohio. It connects the medical community directly to the people they serve, creating a healthier, more connected state.
Common Questions
Q: Is this "socialized medicine"?
A: No. This is a public-private partnership. Most care will still be billed to private insurance or Medicaid. The centers simply fill the gaps for those who fall through the cracks, ensuring no one goes without basic care.
Q: Will my doctor leave their private practice?
A: No. The requirement is only 40 hours over two years, roughly one work week every two years. This is similar to Continuing Medical Education requirements doctors already complete. It allows retired doctors to stay active and busy practitioners to give back without disrupting their patients.
Q: How can the state afford this?
A: This plan does not raise your taxes or take money out of your pocket. By using existing Medicaid funding and volunteer doctors who receive a tax credit for their time, costs stay far lower than a traditional hospital. It's a smarter use of money the state is already spending.