GOP Senate leaders leaning toward Medicaid reform, away from expansion

Republican Senate leaders are indicating that they are interested in pushing a series of reforms to Medicaid, but seem less likely to support Gov. Kasich’s plan to expand the program (Source: “Legislators mull Medicaid changes rather than expansion,” Columbus, Dispatch, May 17, 2013).

“It’s always better to create a path for short-term benefits with long-term incentives to become self-sufficient,” said Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina, in a meeting with editors and reporters at the Columbus Dispatch.

Among ideas being considered by legislative leaders are time limits and work requirements for Medicaid enrollees, as well as the potential of moving thousands of pregnant women, disabled workers and children from Medicaid to coverage obtain through the health insurance exchange.

All of the material from the Ohio Medicaid Expansion Study, a partnership between HPIO, the Ohio State University, the Urban Institute and Regional Economic Models, Inc., as well as additional Medicaid resources from HPIO, is available at www.hpio.net/medicaid