Buckeye Reporter

The Buckeye Institute has submitted public comments to Ohio's Department of Medicaid, expressing support for the state's waiver application. This application seeks approval to implement work and education requirements for healthy adult Ohioans under 55 who receive Medicaid benefits.

Rea S. Hederman Jr., vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute, stated, "As anyone who has been unemployed knows, the longer you are out of the workforce, the harder it becomes to find a job. That is why Ohio must do everything it can to help people stay connected to the workforce and find good paying jobs." He added that "Medicaid work and education requirements, which only apply to healthy working-age adults, do just that."

In its public comments, The Buckeye Institute emphasized that "the additional lifetime earnings for working Medicaid recipients are significant." Their research indicates that a young Medicaid recipient who works and eventually leaves the program could earn nearly $1 million over their lifetime. Even those who remain on Medicaid throughout their working life could see substantial financial gains from employment.

To enhance Ohio's waiver application, The Buckeye Institute proposed three recommendations:

1. Improve Data Collection: The state should enhance data accuracy to verify Medicaid eligibility more efficiently and ensure eligible recipients receive benefits.

2. Emphasize the Importance of Work: Since increased work experience leads to higher skills and wages, long-term financial benefits await Medicaid recipients who work. The waiver application should outline these advantages for enrollees.

3. Define “Employed”: While the proposed waiver makes employed recipients eligible, it lacks a clear definition of employment duration or hours worked per week. It suggests defining employment as working at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month.