Idaho Religious Groups Could Get Exemptions From Insurance Laws

Nonprofit religious groups that help members share medical costs are a step closer to being exempted from Idaho insurance laws. The Senate to back removing Health Care Sharing Ministries from the state’s definition of an insurance company.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Sheryl Nuxol, R-Grangeville, fears what she calls overzealous insurance regulators who try to subject these ministries to the same requirements as insurers, essentially putting them out of business. About 20 other states have already taken similar steps to remove such ministries from regulatory oversight.

The bill now heads to the House.