Another GOP bill aims to reform Ohio Medicaid program

A House Republican this week introduced legislation she says will reduce fraud and lower costs in the Ohio Medicaid program (Source: “Fixing Medicaid,” Columbus Dispatch, Oct. 24, 2013)

Rep. Barbara Sears, R-Sylvania, said her bill will attempt to reduce dependency on Medicaid and improve the programs financial sustainability, thereby ensuring access to those who need the program.

Sears’ bill would require the state Medicaid director to identify ways to improve the health of recipients and require them assume greater responsibility for their health care, and would create a legislative oversight panel to regularly review the program.

The legislation also would increase civil penalties for defrauding Medicaid, increase criminal penalties for dealers who sell drugs to pregnant women and helps dropouts get their high school diplomas.