Ohio Senator Jon Husted has accumulated more than $679,000 in contributions from insurance firms and their executives throughout his political career. These companies are now increasing rates for Ohio residents.
Husted, a member of the Republican Party, began his political journey in the Ohio House of Representatives in 2000, moved to the state Senate in 2008, and became lieutenant governor in 2018. He was appointed U.S. Senator last year, filling the vacancy left by Vice President J.D. Vance.
Campaign finance records reveal foundational support for Husted from Anthem (currently Elevance Health), Medical Mutual of Ohio, UnitedHealth Group, alongside their affiliated Political Action Committees (PACs). This support has persisted over the years, with additional backing from CareSource, Buckeye Community Health Plan, Summa Health Systems, and Centene.
Husted’s 2025 year-end filing introduced a new contributor: America’s Health Insurance Plans PAC, a trade group of insurance companies.
All corporations supporting Husted are now implementing rate hikes on Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) plans in Ohio. For instance, Buckeye Community Health Plan is set to increase rates by 27.25% this year.
UnitedHealth Group will see rates surge by 30.9%.
The most significant increase will be from Paramount Insurance Company, with a 37% hike.
A Centene spokesperson, the parent company of Buckeye Community Health Plan and the largest provider of Obamacare coverage in Ohio, explained to the Ohio Capital Journal that these rate increases are critical to meet patient demand.
“Over the past several months, we have been working closely with Ohio regulators and their third-party actuaries to balance rising health care costs with the needs of Ohio citizens,” the spokesperson stated. “Our rate adjustments reflect higher-than-expected care needs than in previous years, including increased hospitalizations, emergency room utilization, and behavioral health services.”
Centene reported a gross profit of $16.8 billion for 2024.
These rate hikes coincide with the expiration of enhanced Obamacare tax credits that had previously kept premiums low for 22 million Americans, 500,000 of whom reside in Ohio. On January 13, Husted announced his opposition to a bipartisan proposal to extend these credits for an additional three years, as reported by ABC 6.
Husted is campaigning for his first complete term in the U.S. Senate this year, with former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown anticipated to be his main contender.
A December Emerson College poll indicates that almost half of Ohio voters prioritize the economy, especially affordability, as the leading issue in the forthcoming election.
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