Buckeye Reporter

A new WalletHub survey revealed that Ohio spends the most money on Medicaid, as a percentage of its state budget, but also listed the quality of Ohio's Medicaid as 22nd in the U.S.

This is a major issue in the lead-up to the upcoming Republican gubernatorial primary.

In response, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Renacci criticized Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's (R) leadership.

"Mike DeWine has had nearly four years to lead Ohio on the right path," Renacci said, according to his website. "Instead, Mike DeWine has led Ohio to out-of-control Medicaid spending, burdensome regulations, skyrocketing drug overdoses and blue state-level tax burdens. For a state led by a Republican governor, Ohio deserves better."

Conversely, the official website of Ohio's Medicaid program is touting the quality of the care that is provided by Medicaid. 

"Being smart with taxpayer dollars is one of Ohio Medicaid's greatest responsibilities," the Ohio Department of Medicaid said. "We are increasingly linking provider payments to health outcomes to drive value and quality for every dollar invested in care."

According to WalletHub, Ohio had a score of 58.17 in the survey, with the first-place state, Massachusetts, having a score of 76.44. According to the Ohio Department of Medicaid, more than 3 million people in Ohio are on the state's Medicaid program. Renacci's website also highlighted other ongoing health issues in Ohio, including the state ranking fourth in the U.S. for drug overdoses. 

DeWine and Renacci will be running against one another in the 2022 Ohio Republican gubernatorial primary on May 3.

The 74-year-old DeWine was the hand-picked choice of former Ohio Gov. John Kasich to be governor. He has held public office in Ohio for 41 years, including periods in the Ohio State Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, as Ohio attorney general and Ohio lieutenant governor. 

Renacci is a businessman and a former U.S. Representative of Ohio's 16th Congressional District.