Governor, Lt. Governor Voice Support of Approved Medicaid Expansion Work Requirements

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today released the following statements in support of the Medicaid expansion work requirements recently approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:

“I am pleased that Ohio is a model state that balances a pathway to employment and access to healthcare in our reasonable work requirements. They are intended to put those able-bodied adults served by the Medicaid expansion on a pathway to full employment,” said Governor DeWine. “Our next step is to focus on connecting Medicaid expansion recipients with opportunity. The opportunity to grow, to learn new skills, and to engage with their community. OhioMeansJobs estimates that there are more than 145,000 available jobs in the state and I am committed to matching those jobs with those looking for work.”

“If you can work, you should work, even if that means working to upgrade your skills in a way that leads to an in-demand job, working towards sobriety so you can reenter the workforce, or working an entry-level job so you can get your foot in the door and start yourself on a path toward career success,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “The goal of these programs should be to give Ohioans the opportunity to live up to their God-given potential and pursue their own version of the American dream.

“The people we are talking about are able-bodied adults who are served by Medicaid expansion. I believe the taxpayers will support it as long as it’s a hand-up and not a hand-out policy. I believe they want it to be accountable. Ohioans want to help people but they also want people to help themselves,” added Lt. Governor Husted.