Following the decision of Ohio Governor John Kasich to veto language that freezes Medicaid expansion starting Sunday, July 1, 2018 from Ohio’s budget bill, hundreds of advocates and concerned citizens gathered on July 5, 2017 at the Ohio Statehouse to show support for preserving health care coverage for Ohio’s most vulnerable. OAFP members and staff participated.
“Medicaid coverage is life-saving to many Ohioans. To take away health coverage for people who depend on it for basic health care needs, chronic physical and mental health conditions, is turning our backs on fellow Ohioans,” said the Reverend Dr. Tim Ahrens, senior minister of First Congregational Church in downtown Columbus. “We rally to express our support for all Ohioans who have improved their lives and health under the expansion program.”
Those gathered at the rally asked legislators to not vote on overriding the governor’s veto. Supporters were represented from every corner of the state and vast organizations including hospitals, physicians, medical professionals, employers, health plans, faith communities, behavioral health groups, patient and consumer advocates, community groups, and health policy researchers.
“Ohio is battling a health crisis and every day I witness the profound impact of Medicaid on the lives of my patients. My patients with chronic medical problems receive the care they need, return to work, and contribute to their communities,” James Misak, MD, assistant professor of family medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. “The preservation of the Medicaid program is imperative for increasing the overall health and sustainability of our health care system. I have seen the benefits, with coverage comes better identification and treatment of chronic health conditions which leads to returning to work, less financial stress, and an increase in quality of life.”
“As a small business owner, I see the value in providing health care coverage,” said Natalie Skilliter, owner of The Corner Kitchen in Dayton. “People without coverage do not treat their chronic diseases or seek preventive care and turn to emergency departments for treatment. As a result, conditions are exacerbated which is not good for their overall health, but also raises uncompensated costs on all taxpayers.”
During the rally, advocates stressed that at a time when Ohio faces an opiate epidemic and tough economic times, the freeze creates additional barriers and harm on poor working Ohioans and those struggling to meet vital heath care needs.
“It is not about me, it is bigger than me,” stated Chuck Oliver, counselor at The Counseling Center in Portsmouth. “I know firsthand the struggle of addiction and how vital health care coverage and access to care are on fighting addiction and getting your life back on track.” Oliver is an individual in recovery and working with others in recovery in their journey.
Regina Hillman of Columbus echoed some of Mr. Oliver’s thoughts, “My son lives with a serious mental illness and traumatic brain injury. Despite 19 years of trying everything I could think of to access care, it was only through expansion that he now has access to the medication, counseling, and intensive supports he needs. Expansion has been the light at the end of a very long tunnel.”
Expansion advocates have vowed to continue to educate elected leaders on the cost of this action to the health care economy as well as the overall health and safety of the state.
Press coverage including remarks from family physicians: