Strickland still aims to restore Medicaid dental benefits, expand SCHIP

In the face of a budget shortfall which will result in state employee layoffs and cutbacks, Governor Strickland said he still aims to restore dental benefits for adult Medicaid recipients starting July 1. (Source: "Ax taken to state jobs," Columbus Dispatch, Feb. 1, 2008.) He is also seeking federal approval to expand eligibility in the Children's Health Insurance Program to families earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL), or $42,925 a year for a family of three. The current cap is 200% FPL. Doctors who provide care to Medicaid patients should also still receive a 3% rate increase July 1, their first increase in seven years.