Flawed budget language could trigger Ohio Medicaid cuts: Chris Ronayne

Published: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 9:31 am

Ohio Budget Language Threatens Medicaid Coverage for Hundreds of Thousands

A seemingly small change in Ohio's proposed $200 billion budget could have a massive impact on healthcare access for over 700,000 Ohioans. The controversial Section 126.70 of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget contains "trigger language" that mandates the immediate discontinuation of Medicaid benefits for the expansion eligibility group if federal funding drops below 90%.

This provision, championed by Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, is raising alarms across the state. The current language uses the word "shall," which leaves no room for negotiation or alternative solutions. A simple change to "may" would allow state leaders to explore options and mitigate potential cuts.

The consequences of this trigger are severe. Nearly 100,000 Cuyahoga County residents could lose their health insurance, and the state's uninsured rate could jump from 8.8% to 15.3%. The impact extends beyond individual health, potentially affecting employment rates, as Medicaid expansion has been shown to support workforce participation. The article highlights a 2018 study showing nearly 50% of the continuously enrolled expansion group were employed, and 83% reported that Medicaid expansion allowed them to both seek and maintain employment.

Ronayne emphasizes the bipartisan history of Medicaid expansion in Ohio, initiated by Republican Governor John Kasich under the Affordable Care Act. He urges state lawmakers to amend the language and prevent a drastic reduction in healthcare access. He also calls for action from business leaders and community organizations to advocate for those at risk.

BNN's Perspective: While fiscal responsibility is crucial, the potential impact on vulnerable populations is concerning. The "trigger language" appears overly rigid and could lead to significant hardship. A more flexible approach, allowing for negotiation and alternative solutions, seems prudent, especially given the history of bipartisan support for Medicaid expansion in Ohio.

Keywords: Ohio Medicaid, Medicaid cuts, budget, healthcare, health insurance, Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County, uninsured rate, federal funding, Medicaid expansion, Section 126.70, trigger language, Ohio budget, healthcare access, John Kasich, Affordable Care Act, Ohioans, healthcare benefits, state lawmakers, fiscal year 2026-27, employment, working poor, Greater Cleveland Partnership.

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