State Representative Jim Buchy
Medicaid—A Local Impact 

Most of the talk thus far about what to do about Ohio’s Medicaid program has looked at it from a statewide perspective. Throughout the summer and now into the fall, the House has been carefully studying this issue to see what we think is the best path forward. Those discussions will continue, and indeed intensify, as the committee process unfolds in the coming weeks. 

Many constituents have strong opinions on the topic of Medicaid.  Some want expansion but others want Ohio to reduce the number of Medicaid recipients.  As we discuss Medicaid reform the floor is open to new and innovative approaches to reduce the costs to the taxpayer.  The only limitation will come from the federal government.  There are very intelligent people working to find ways around the federal limitations. 

Many people form their opinion on government programs based on their personal experiences with those programs.  This gives us a good opportunity to examine how the Medicaid program affects us right here in western Ohio. 

In the 84th House District, the number of uninsured people is somewhere between 18,000 and 19,000. That equals about 10 percent of the population of the four counties who do not have insurance.  That compares pretty well nationally, as the national rate is about 16 percent. In the time of an emergency people are benefitted to have some form of health insurance.  Compared to the national average it is clear that employers and individuals in western Ohio recognize the benefit of health insurance and they are making the decision to carry coverage. 

Many people in the Auglaize, Darke, Mercer and Shelby counties are carrying health coverage—some of those people are benefiting from coverage through Medicaid. As far as Medicaid is concerned, there are a little more than 27,000 people who participate in the program. I find it interesting that in our area the people who are on Medicaid outnumber the people who are uninsured. Again, when compared nationwide, the 84th District weighs in pretty well. Whereas the national rate is about 16 percent, we have a rate of 14 percent.  We are lucky that our people are able to get healthcare coverage through good jobs, and our employers really are focused on helping the people of our area provide for their families.