by Che Gadison

     Health care coverage is in jeopardy for low-income adults   in Ohio

     Medicaid Expansion provides healthcare to adults between the ages 19-64 with incomes below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level or $21,597 for a single individual.  The federal government currently picks up 90% of the cost while the state of Ohio pays for the other 10%. These programs make Medicaid more accessible to low-income adults who are excluded from traditional Medicaid programs. There are currently 771,000 adults receiving health care through Medicaid Expansion in Ohio.

     Governor DeWine proposed, and the Ohio House of Representatives passed ‘Trigger Language” for Medicaid Expansion in Ohio by which if there are any federal cuts to Medicaid Expansion resulting in the federal government paying anything less than the current 90% of the cost provided to the State Ohio, then Ohio will end the Medicaid Expansion program in its entirety. 

     It is important that the Ohio Senate eliminates the “trigger language” that will likely take away the health coverage for 771,000 Ohioans. There are a couple of ways that you can make your voices heard.

1.  Send emails to Senate leaders demanding that the “Trigger Language” be eliminated so that Medicaid health coverage can continue to adults in the State of Ohio. The emails should be sent to Senate President Rob McColley at  mccolley@ohiosenate.gov, and Senate Finance Chair Jerry Cirino at cirino@ohiosenate.gov.
2. If you, a friend, or family member, are a recipient of Medicaid Expansion, please reach out to Northern Ohioans for Budget Legislation Equality (NOBLE) and share your personal story about why Medicaid Expansion coverage is important to you. NOBLE will get your story to the decision makers at the Ohio Senate. Email us at ohiobudgetequality@gmail.com 

     We need to fight to save health coverage for adult Ohioans.