Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
Medicaid enrollment is expected to decrease or remain low in coming years, Ohio Department of Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran predicts (Source: “Ohio Medicaid Enrollment is Expected to Remain at Lower Levels,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 21, 2019).
Medicaid enrollment, which peaked at 3 million two years ago, is largely driven by the economy. When jobs are plentiful, enrollment drops. When the economy slows, people lose their jobs and more people qualify for Medicaid.
In February 2019, Ohio Medicaid enrollment was just over 2.8 million, according to the department. In the fiscal year that begins July 1, the department projects enrollment to dip by 51,000 Ohioans to just under 2.8 million.