News Releases

The Center Meets with Legislators to Advocate for Medicaid Reform

Since Governor Kasich released his biennium budget in February, The Center has been engaging Ohio legislators in an effort to gauge their support for reforming the current Medicaid program. During the past few months, members and providers from the Northeast Ohio hospital community have been working collaboratively with The Center in its efforts to advocate for Medicaid reform. 

In early May, Ohio Senator Frank LaRose attended a meeting at MetroHealth System to discuss legislative activity in the Ohio Senate. During the meeting, which was attended by representatives from most major hospitals in Northeast Ohio, Senator LaRose was able to pose several questions pertaining to how Ohio Medicaid reform would increase health insurance coverage for Ohioans, and how such changes would be paid for by the state. In addition, Deanna Moore, vice president of corporate communications, answered questions regarding the impact Northeast Ohio hospitals have on the region’s workforce and economy. 

Later in the month, The Center was joined by members from University Hospitals, MetroHealth System and Sisters of Charity Health System to meet with Senator John Eklund to advocate for Medicaid reform. During the meeting, Senator Eklund expressed his support for expanding the current program, and was particularly interested in learning about the types of fiscal challenges hospitals in his district might face if Ohio fails to reform the current system. 

Moving forward, The Center will continue in its efforts to advocate for Medicaid reform and educate elected officials on the impact expanding access to insurance coverage will have for both the people of Ohio and for its hospitals. For more information, please contact Deanna Moore at 216.255.3614 or deanna.moore@chanet.org.