WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) welcomes the decision today by Ohio Governor John Kasich to support expansion of Medicaid through provisions of the Affordable Care Act:

“I extend my appreciation to Governor Kasich for reaching a decision that will benefit all Ohioans. Currently, there are up to 600,000 uninsured people in our state who cannot afford health care coverage and are not eligible at this time for other health insurance programs. Medicaid expansion lifts a huge burden on working families, the recently unemployed and other citizens who struggle to afford what others may take for granted: the ability to see a doctor or pay for medications to treat a serious health condition,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

“As health care providers and prominent business organizations have also pointed out, Medicaid Expansion is good for Ohio’s economy.  An independent study estimates Medicaid Expansion will create over 30,000 new jobs in Ohio over 8 years, bring in $2.9 billion in new revenues to the state during that same period, and save Ohio employers $1.66 billion in health care costs through 2022.  County governments can expect to see savings in mental health expenditures that will now be reimbursed by the federal government, freeing up local revenues for new investment. On the other hand, failure to implement Medicaid expansion could have cost the state millions of dollars and exacted an unconscionable toll on the health of Ohio residents.”

“I urge members of the Ohio General Assembly to accept the Governor’s recommendation without delay and formally approve expanded eligibility guidelines for Medicaid.”

On background:  In 2010, Congresswoman Fudge voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (known as the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare”).  The United States Supreme Court ruled in 2011 that states may choose whether to expand Medicaid eligibility.   An independent study on the impact of Medicaid Expansion in Ohio was prepared jointly by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, the Ohio State University, the Urban Institute and REMI.