State Coverage Initiative (SCI) Team Issues Report Recommending Health Care Coverage Reforms in Ohio

The State Coverage Initiative (SCI) team, appointed by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, issued a final report regarding coverage for Ohio’s uninsured , recommending health care coverage reform options for the State of Ohio. Since September 2007, Ohio has been one of 14 states to participate in the Coverage Institute sponsored by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s State Coverage Initiatives (SCI) program. Over the past year, the SCI team worked diligently to uncover the facts about Ohio’s uninsured residents, Ohio’s health insurance programs and markets, and the gaps in the current system that cause many Ohioans to be uninsured. 
The SCI team also worked closely with the Healthcare Coverage Initiative Advisory Committee, a group of over 40 stakeholders appointed by Governor Strickland, to develop a comprehensive set of recommendations to cover Ohio’s uninsured residents. These recommendations are based on the best available information and the diverse views of those impacted by Ohio’s health care and coverage systems.

Recommendations include: requiring employers to establish §125 Plans; reinsurance for individuals and small businesses; extending group coverage to dependents up to age 29; premium assistance for low income workers; enrolling more Ohioans in Medicaid and expanding Ohio’s Medicaid to high income levels; allowing non-Medicaid eligible adults to enroll in Medicaid managed care plans; and reforms to the individual health insurance market.

The Strickland Administration will review the recommendations in order to work with leaders from the Ohio General Assembly and key stakeholders to identify and discuss legislation to implement appropriate recommendations. To view the report go to: http://www.healthcarereform.ohio.gov/