State Representative Jim Buchy
Medicaid Reform – Multiple Options Forward 

The issue of Medicaid reform has taken over the topic of Medicaid expansion, which was hashed out in the spring.  The Ohio legislature made it clear that any long-term changes to Medicaid deserve extensive deliberation and debate before moving ahead. From that discussion came knowledge of failures present in Ohio’s Medicaid program.  We will continue to discuss Medicaid reform as a way to reduce our state budget and provide better services for Ohioans. 

We removed Medicaid expansion from the budget but, the budget does require that legislation be introduced this year that will be focused on reducing the number of Ohioans dependent on Medicaid, seek ways to lower the net state and federal costs for the program, and promote workforce readiness and educational services. In west central Ohio, we call these types of changes reform.  Working to get people the help they need to get off government assistance was an issue that could not be fully scrutinized in the budget. 

Representative Ron Amstutz introduced House Bill 208. The bill requires the Medicaid Director to implement certain reforms to the Medicaid program and requires the Director of Job and Family Services to implement reforms to workplace development activities that meet specified objectives.  Also, the bill creates the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee (JMOC). Senate Bill 145 from State Senators Dave Burke and Capri Cafaro, has a very similar approach to House Bill 208.  These are companion bills that seem to generate interests in the committee process. 

Additionally, Representative Barbara Sears sponsored House Bill 176, which requires the Medicaid Assistance Director, subject to any necessary federal approval, to implement reforms to the Medicaid program that are intended to meet specified goals. 

The bill also requires the Director to submit to the General Assembly annual reports on the progress being made in implementing the reforms.   Regarding the eligibility group authorized by Obamacare, that is popularly known as the Medicaid expansion, expressly permits Medicaid to cover the group or one or more subgroups if the federal match available for the group or subgroup is at least the amount specified in federal law as of March 30, 2010, and the Medicaid program is able to cover the group or subgroup in a manner that causes per recipient Medicaid expenditures to be reduced.  Because this bill includes Medicaid expansion it is more controversial, but some of the reforms included in the bill may find their way into the Medicaid reform discussion. 

There are many bills introduced each General Assembly with just a select number that become law.  Each bill serves an important purpose in the discussion.  In the case of Medicaid reform it is important to understand the options on the table so that the end result are reforms that get people the assistance they need and encourage a return to the work force. 

Please inform me of your opinions on the issues of the day by completing a survey on this topic and other topics being discussed this month.  You can access this short survey by the web at tinyurl.com/buchyaug.