Facts about the proposed expansion of Medicaid in Ohio, the state-federal program that helps pay for health care for low-income residents:
WHO’S COVERED: Currently, 2.3 million people in Ohio receive health care from Medicaid. Expanding the program would make 365,000 more Ohioans eligible for coverage in the beginning.
COST: Gov. John Kasich’s administration says the federal government would send $2.4 billion to Ohio to cover those newly eligible for Medicaid over the next two years, beginning in July, and $13 billion over the next seven years.
WHO PAYS: The federal government now pays about 64 cents for every dollar spent under Medicaid; the state covers the rest. For states choosing to broaden Medicaid, Washington will pick up the full price of expansion the first three years and 90 percent over time.
START DATE: Medicaid expansion would take effect in 2014. State lawmakers first must approve the plan.
WHO QUALIFIES: If Medicaid expansion goes forward, people who make up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line — about $15,400 for an individual or just over $26,300 for a family of three — would be covered.
ADDED REVENUE: The state expects to net $235 million because of a boost in tax revenue, plus additional savings from proposed Medicaid eligibility changes and savings on medical care for prisoners.
OPTING OUT: Kasich’s proposal includes an automatic “opt-out” trigger that would shut down Ohio’s program for newly eligible residents if the federal government doesn’t pick up its share of expanded coverage.
MORE ELIGIBLE: In addition to those who could come on to Medicaid under expansion, Ohio is bracing for 230,000 eligible Ohioans to sign up for Medicaid once the federal law requires most people to have health insurance. Officials estimate there will be a roughly $521 million increase in the cost of the program for the state in 2014 and 2015.
— Associated Press
