Ohioans enrolled in Medicaid expansion tout program’s benefits

As state and federal lawmakers pursue initiatives and possible cuts to Medicaid, those who have been on the program say it saved their lives and helped them get back on their feet (Source: “Medicaid expansion at risk: ‘My life was saved by the citizens of Ohio’,” Dayton Daily News, April 10).
 
Nearly 770,000 Ohio Medicaid members are at risk of losing their health insurance as state lawmakers seek the implementation of work requirements and federal lawmakers seek budget cuts. The Dayton Daily News spoke with those who have been on the program to see how it impacted them.
 
“My life was saved by the citizens of Ohio, and my life was saved by an appropriately compassionate structure of governance,” said Karen Jeffers-Tracy, of Fairborn, Ohio.
 
Jeffers-Tracy and others say Medicaid gave them access to life-saving treatments, kept them in the workforce or able to return to the workforce, as well as allowed families to have more flexibility in caregiving. This also frees up state and federal tax dollars with family members taking on unpaid roles in taking care of loved ones unable to care for themselves, preventing the state from having to take on those costs.
 
HPIO recently released a new brief titled “Policy Considerations: The Future of Group VIII (expansion) Medicaid Coverage in Ohio.” The publication provides data and information on the status of Medicaid expansion in Ohio and includes a series of policy considerations for state and federal leaders. The publication page also includes a link to download the graphics from the snapshot for use in your work or to share on social media.

In the coming weeks, HPIO plans to release additional resources to assist policymakers who are evaluating options related to Medicaid coverage in Ohio. The Institute also recently released the latest edition of its biennial Ohio Medicaid Basics publication, which provides an overview of the Ohio Medicaid program, including eligibility, covered services, spending and recent policy changes.