On January 5, 2015, new members of Ohio’s 129^th General Assembly were sworn in with their first task on the horizon – the biennial budget.  Capital Bureau Chief Mark Kovac provides a great top 10 list of Things to Know About the Start of Ohio’s New General Assembly. The list shares changes in leadership, new members of the General Assembly, and details about possible legislation and budget issues.

One of the big issues to watch is Ohio Medicaid. Starting on January 1, 2014,  Medicaid became available to all Ohioans (except some immigrants) and  whose income falls below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). To date, over 450,000 Ohioans have enrolled in Medicaid coverage thanks to the expanded eligibility.

Gov. Kasich is expected to present his budget on February 2^nd, keeping the current income eligibility requirements for Ohio Medicaid intact. Then the next steps are:

• the House Finance Committee considers the budget and then votes on their version;
• then, the entire Ohio House of Representatives votes on it, considering further amendments;
• then it gets voted on by a Senate committee and the Ohio Senate;
• then the differences between the House and Senate versions get reconciled in the Conference Committee;
• then the Governor signs the budget, with the power to veto provisions but not add anything, by June 30, 2015.

Confused yet? You’re in luck!

If you’d like to learn more about Ohio’s budget process, the issues being considered, and how you can make a difference, join One Ohio Now’s webinar on Tuesday, January 27^th from 12-12:45pm. Click here for more information and to register.

What’s this Mean for Advocates and Consumers?

We’ve seen the Medicaid Expansion in action for a year, and it has improved the lives and health of many Ohioans. We’ve got to start laying the groundwork now to preempt any attacks on it this budget season. Telling the stories of those who benefited from expanded Medicaid coverage is going to be key.

What Can You Do?

Have you or someone you know benefited from expanded Medicaid coverage? Or are you a trusted community leader? Right now our goal is to get as many Letters to the Editor as possible published across Ohio, specifically outside of the 3 C’s. We can help you write and submit your Letter to the Editor. Click here to view 3 sample templates. Click here to find the contact information for your local paper. Need more help? Email Alyssa at achenault@uhcanohio.org for more information or help writing/sending your letter.