Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, along with Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) Director Maureen Corcoran, has put in motion a plan that could result in a resurgence of work requirements for Medicaid recipients in the state, according to the Ohio Governor’s official website.
If approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), individuals on Medicaid expansion would be required to be over 55, have a job, be enrolled in school or a job training program, participate in a recovery program, or have a serious health condition in order to maintain coverage.
In a move that revives an effort from 2019—which saw its original federal approval reversed—the state’s latest submission to CMS aligns with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s vision of encouraging a pathway to financial independence for Ohioans, saying, “Reinstating our work requirement will promote self-sufficiency, it will give more people the purpose and pride that comes with a job, and it will improve the well-being of Ohio’s workforce.”
This push is based on a strong belief in the link between employment and health benefits, and with over 150,000 jobs with salaries over $50,000 listed on OhioMeansJobs.com, the administration sees an excellent opportunity to close the employment gap.
Maureen Corcoran, ODM Director, echoed the Governor’s sentiments, stating, “By encouraging them to seek employment, we not only improve their quality of life, but also contribute to healthier communities and a thriving economy in Ohio.”
This statement reflects the state’s goal of improving Ohioans’ health and economic self-reliance while conserving Medicaid resources. The submission follows the execution of a mandate from House Bill 33, authored by the 135th General Assembly and signed by DeWine in July 2023, which directs the implementation of work requirements.
With the goal of reducing Medicaid dependency over time, the initiative strategically focuses on improving Ohio’s economic and health landscapes; as research consistently shows that employment leads to better mental and physical health, the initiative seeks to maintain a vibrant workforce while reducing Medicaid expenditure on those who may find independence through employment or education.
For those interested in the specifics of the waiver proposal, ODM has made related documents available on Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s official website.
