General Assembly Oks Medicaid reform bill

State lawmakers finalized legislation Wednesday to limit spending increases and reform health care services provided through the Ohio Medicaid program (Source: “Medicaid reform in Ohio approved,” [Ravenna] Record-Courier, Dec. 5, 2013).

Senate Bill 206 passed on a split vote of 52-35 in the Ohio House, and the Ohio Senate later concurred, 28-5, sending the law to Gov. John Kasich for his expected signature.

The bill creates a joint committee to oversee the state's Medicaid program, keeping closer tabs on costs and services provided to eligible residents. Among other provisions, the bill seeks to limit increases in Medicaid spending to the same growth rate as the medical component of the Consumer Price Index and moves individuals who have other options for health care out of the program.