HPIO releases Ohio Medicaid Basics 2009

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio has released its biennial overview of the Ohio Medicaid program, Medicaid Basics 2009 (pdf). The publication provides summary information of the state’s largest health and long-term care program, which serves 2.2 million low-income and medically vulnerable Ohioans.

Given the state’s economic climate and the challenges facing the Governor and General Assembly as they prepare the 2009-2010 budget, understanding the multi-faceted Medicaid program is critical. That is especially true when considering that more money is spent on Medicaid than any other program in the state budget. In 2008, $13 billion (including federal funds), or 23 percent of the $57 billion in total state spending, was devoted to Medicaid.

The principal author of the 20-page publication is Greg Moody, a senior consultant with Health Management Associates.