CLEVELAND — In the state of Ohio’s proposed $200 billion biennial budget, one word could make or break health insurance coverage for more than 700,000 Ohioans.
Section 126.70 in the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget states, “If the federal medical assistance percentage for medical assistance provided to members of the expansion eligibility group is set below ninety per cent, the [Ohio] department of medicaid shall … immediately discontinue all medical assistance for members of the group.”
That’s the state of Ohio’s subtle but clear message that even the slightest reduction in federal funds for Medicaid will result in a drastic benefits cut for Ohioans. The “eligibility group” includes 98,647 Cuyahoga County residents who would lose health insurance. Throughout Ohio, a cut would increase the state’s uninsured rate from 8.8% to 15.3%…