Proposed Medicaid cuts could leave many Ohioans without coverage

OHIO — A proposed Republican U.S. House budget resolution instructing the House Energy and Commerce Committee to cut at least $880 billion in costs through 2034 could significantly impact Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Ohio.

These programs provide essential health care to nearly one in four Americans, including low-income families, seniors, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

Ohio, like all states, relies on federal matching funds to support its Medicaid and CHIP programs.

A new analysis from the Center for American Progress estimates that, if the cuts are distributed proportionally to current Medicaid and CHIP enrollment, each congressional district could lose an average of $2 billion in federal funding over the next nine years.

While specific details on how these cuts would be implemented remain unclear, previous proposals have included adding work requirements or reducing the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP), which helps states finance their Medicaid programs.

According to the Urban Institute, reducing FMAP funding for Medicaid expansion enrollees could result in 15.9 million people losing coverage nationwide by 2026 if states are unable to make up the funding gap.

Ohio’s congressional districts with high Medicaid and CHIP enrollment would be among the hardest hit.

For comparison, districts such as Kentucky’s 5th could lose an estimated $3.6 billion in funding and see 95,000 fewer enrollees per year.

Similar losses in Ohio could jeopardize access to doctors, medications, and long-term care for thousands of residents.

With Medicaid and CHIP serving as a lifeline for millions, the proposed budget cuts could have widespread consequences for Ohio families who rely on these programs for critical health care services.