Ohio House to consider new Medicaid expansion bill

Republican Rep. Barbara Sears of Lucas County introduced a bill this week that would extend Medicaid eligibility to Ohioans earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, a plan that is similar to what Gov. Kasich included in his budget proposal. (Source: “Ohio House bill would expand Medicaid to cover state's working poor,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 22, 2013).

Sears' legislation also requires the state to study reforms that could lower costs and reduce uncompensated care. And it calls for job training services meant to help Medicaid recipients find better jobs that have health coverage of their own.

"Ohio's Medicaid system has made substantial improvements over the past few years and this legislation furthers that effort," Sears said in a statement. "By providing a ladder up and out of poverty through quality care, we are allowing for citizens to achieve greater self sufficiency and creating a healthier Ohio."