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Ohio Medicaid Plan Would Require Enrollees to Share in Cost
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Officials estimate that about 1 million low-income Ohioans could be required pay a new monthly cost for Medicaid health coverage or potentially lose it under a Republican provision in the state budget.
The idea, which requires federal approval, was part of the $71.2 billion, two-year spending blueprint that Gov. John Kasich signed Tuesday.
Under the plan, Kasich’s administration must seek a waiver of federal Medicaid rules so that Ohio can require certain Medicaid recipients to pay into a health savings account regardless of their income.
GOP lawmakers contend the savings accounts will encourage “personal responsibility,” and make it easier for enrollees to transition to private health insurance in the future.
Health care advocates and Democrats argue such policies create barriers to health care for those with little money.