Today, the RISE Together Innovation Institute expressed deep concern over Governor Mike DeWine’s proposal to reintroduce work requirements for Medicaid recipients in Ohio. This policy threatens to undermine the health and economic stability of thousands of Franklin County residents who are already struggling to make ends meet. 

“All of us should have the healthcare we need when we get sick,” said Danielle Sydnor, CEO of RISE Together Innovation Institute. “Governor DeWine’s proposal will take away healthcare from thousands of people who are already struggling to make ends meet. Instead of expanding opportunity and making sure people are healthy, this policy will make it harder for people to get the healthcare they need.” 

Potential Harms to Franklin County Residents 

Residents will lose healthcare coverage: In 2019, the Commonwealth Fund estimated between 121,000 and 163,000 adults in Ohio could lose Medicaid coverage in Ohio due to Medicaid work requirements.1 That number is likely higher today since more adults without dependents are participating in Medicaid.  

When Arkansas imposed a Medicaid work requirement in 2018, 18,000 people were removed from the program and lost their healthcare coverage.2 Many people lost their health insurance due to complicated paperwork and bureaucratic hurdles for reporting work hours. People with physical or mental disabilities will lose their healthcare coverage because of the red tape involved in proving they are not able to work. Many people on Medicaid are already working in sectors like retail, hospitality, and caregiving. These jobs often have irregular hours and sometimes lack the stability needed to meet rigid reporting requirements.  

People will have worse health and more financial stress: Losing coverage and access to treatment can be dangerous for people with chronic health conditions and other serious health needs. It can be the difference between life and death. Losing healthcare coverage means people delay getting the care they need or getting healthcare and ending up with debilitating medical debt. When residents don’t have a foundation of health and economic security, that makes it even harder for people to find and maintain a job that pays enough to afford the basics. 

“In Franklin County alone, a staggering 39% of households struggle to cover basic needs like rent, food, healthcare and childcare,” Sydnor continued. “Medicaid ensures our neighbors can stay healthy and active in the community.” 

RISE Together urges Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Medicaid to reconsider this proposal and focus on policies that address systemic barriers to employment and healthcare access. 

“We need solutions that support working families, not policies that punish them for circumstances beyond their control,” Sydnor said. “Let’s enact policies that enable all of us to get the healthcare and other resources we all need to thrive.” 

The RISE Together Innovation Institute stands ready to work with policymakers to develop and advance solutions that prioritize the health and economic well-being of all Ohioans. 

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About RISE Together Innovation Institute 

RISE Together Innovation Institute implements innovative ideas to disrupt poverty in Franklin County. Our mission is to harness the collective power of people and systems to disrupt structural racism and issues of poverty to achieve equity for all Franklin County residents. Our vision is that every Franklin County resident has the resources and opportunities to thrive and prosper. For more information on RISE Together Innovation Institute visit www.rtiico.org.