Ohio officials still seek Medicaid flexibility

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio continues to press the federal government for flexibility as state lawmakers review whether to expand the Medicaid program under President Barack Obama’s health care law.

Greg Moody, director of the governor’s Office of Health Transformation, told reporters today he’s encouraged by discussions with the Obama administration, but he said it’s too soon to say the two sides have reached an agreement.

Republican Gov. John Kasich has discussed whether Ohioans newly eligible for Medicaid under an expanded program could instead get private coverage subsidized by Washington. Those low-income individuals could then purchase insurance in the new health insurance market, known as the exchange.

“I believe we are getting closer, but we are not going to raise hopes until we’re pretty certain that even at the technical detail, we can get this done,” Moody said.

The state anticipates roughly 366,000 low-income Ohioans will be eligible for coverage beginning in 2014 by expanding Medicaid, the health program for the poor that already provides care for one of every five residents in the state.