January 2017 ~

A new report published by the Ohio Medicaid Department has found that Medicaid expansion in the state improved access to care, decreased emergency department use, helped detect members at risk for chronic health conditions, and improved the health and financial status of expansion beneficiaries.

The report, requested by the General Assembly, was based on a telephone survey of more than 7,500 Medicaid beneficiaries and a review of medical records. It was found that new enrollees typically were unmarried white men with a high-school diploma or less. 43% were employed.

Findings include, that among the 702,000 who gained coverage as of May 2016:

• 75% were uninsured before becoming eligible for Medicaid
• More than 1 in 4 has been diagnosed with at least one chronic condition, most commonly high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and including 2 percent with cancer
• About a third suffered from depression and anxiety disorders
• 32% were diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence

Medicaid director Barbara Sears commented on the report, “This report clearly illustrates the benefits of extending Medicaid coverage to more low-income Ohioans, including helping to identify and control expensive chronic health conditions, while also making it easier for them to find and keep a job. We appreciate the members of the General Assembly making this study a priority, and we look forward to continuing the discussion regarding how access to health care is key to helping people move up and out of poverty.”

 

Source(s): Ohio Medicaid(pdf); The Center for Community Solutions; Ohio Colleges of Medicine;