By Sandy Oxley, CEO, Voices for Ohio’s Children
Shout from the roof-tops! Throw a parade! It’s here. It’s finally here. Perhaps not with dancing in the streets or great jubilation from the state legislature, but here nevertheless.
On this road to Medicaid expansion, we have experienced all types of twists, turns, detours and roadblocks. But ultimately, 275,000 more Ohioans will have access to meaningful health coverage that they never had before. We have seen a budget bill introduced that included the expansion only to have our hopes demolished when the House removed it and the legislature passed it without inclusion. After many rallies, prayer circles, statewide events, and advocacy with state policy makers, we heard time and time again that they would study the issue, be deliberate about a decision to expand and discuss Medicaid reform, only to have these commitments and the time for which they were promised come and go. The delay tactics have not worked; they only strengthened our resolve to be more vigilant.
What a partner we have had in Governor Kasich. He and his administration have stood shoulder to shoulder with advocates to educate and inform Ohioans of the benefits of Medicaid expansion to the state. Like the little engine that could, he would not have his commitment to covering the working poor daunted. In sheer determination, through the Department of Medicaid last week he submitted a request to the Controlling Board, a seven-member legislative panel, asking for authorization to spend federal funds totaling $561.7 million in FY14 and nearly $2 billion in FY15 to extend Medicaid eligibility. By asking for spending authority, this allowed the Governor to bypass the normal legislative process on the issue. The request came just one day after federal officials approved changes to Ohio’s State Plan Amendment that would allow for expansion.
What’s next? Because of the political maneuvering to have this decision made through the Controlling Board and not through the General Assembly, undoubtedly there will be legal challenges. Additionally, there have been five Medicaid reform bills introduced. SB 206, a Medicaid reform bill introduced by Senator Burke, is scheduled for hearings for the rest of the week. Voices will continue to monitor all related legislation to ensure that none of these bills reverse the strides that Ohio has already made with regards to covering children and families. Voices will continue to ensure that the interests of children are prioritized. We have to maximize a child’s chance to succeed. It is our hope that the General Assembly puts children first and politics aside as we continue to discuss improving access to health care.
Children only have one childhood. They deserve to grow up healthy. Children can win big when policy makers make the right choices. We are delighted that Ohio, through the leadership of Governor Kasich and those courageous legislators who approved the request on the Controlling Board, will give children a chance to grow up in families that will now have the security of knowing that they can get life saving care when they need it without the fear of facing huge looming medical bills. Ohio has capitalized on an opportunity to bring more families than ever before into health coverage. We pause to celebrate the victory today! If we could host a coverage party we would, we’d invite you all. But more important than a climactic moment, Voices remains steadfast in working on the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act and getting kids enrolled.
