Dear Legislator,

On February 4, 2013, Governor Kasich included extending Medicaid eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty level in his state budget recommendations, Jobs 2.0. We believe that Ohio should continue to move forward with the expansion.

We believe that the advantages to Ohio in extending the Medicaid program are far too great to ignore.

Medicaid expansion will boost Ohio's economy. Close to $20 billion by 2019 in federal funds will support Ohio’s economy including hospitals, restaurants, small businesses, and the millions of people they employ.

Medicaid expansion will improve health for over 275,000 Ohioans. Expanding Medicaid coverage will help meet the mental and physical health challenges for the more than 275,000 Ohioans who can’t afford health care.

Medicaid expansion will protect our hospital safety net. When hospitals give free care to those without health insurance, people with health insurance end up paying the cost in higher premiums. Expanding Medicaid enrollment will reduce unpaid hospital and E.R. visits in Ohio by more than $2 billion by 2019.

We, the undersigned Ohioans, urge you to keep the expansion of Medicaid eligibility in the budget.

Sponsor

Links