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House Budget Proposes A Tighter Grip On Ohio Medicaid Expansion Funds

The Ohio Statehouse
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Republicans leaders in the House have rolled out more changes to the state budget bill which includes tougher access to Medicaid expansion money. The final budget vote is expected in the House this week.

Republican Finance Chair Ryan Smith read through every new amendment added to the budget bill. But it was the very first provision that stuck out the most.

A proposed change would force Gov. John Kasich’s Medicaid department to go to the six lawmakers on the state Controlling Board every six months to approve the use of expanded Medicaid funds.

“So that we can keep an eye on the waiver and understand where we’re at in the process and just have a little bit more communicative process along the way.”

Kasich generated controversy when he asked the Controlling Board to approve his Medicaid expansion four years ago when most lawmakers opposed it.

Andy Chow is a general assignment state government reporter who focuses on environmental, energy, agriculture, and education-related issues. He started his journalism career as an associate producer with ABC 6/FOX 28 in Columbus before becoming a producer with WBNS 10TV.