BREAKING NEWS: State Controlling Board approves Medicaid expansion in Ohio

COLUMBUS — The state Controlling Board signed off today on Gov. John Kasich’s plan to expand Medicaid eligibility, despite the promise of legal challenges that could be filed as soon as Tuesday.

The 5-2 vote provides state Medicaid officials with the authority they need to spend about $2.5 billion federal funds to cover health care services for Ohioans earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty rate.

The federal government earlier this month signed off on the Kasich administration’s request for the expanded eligibility for an estimated 366,000 Ohioans.

Approval was expected, with speculation throughout the past week that Sen. Chris Widener, R-Springfield, would side with the administration and sign off on the Medicaid appropriation request.

One group intends to file suit in short order in an attempt to block the Controlling Board decision.

Maurice Thompson of The 1851 Center for Constitutional Law’s told reporters the legal challenge is forthcoming and will include involvement by GOP members of the Legislature, who will argue the board can’t issue a decision that runs contrary to the intent of the general assembly.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com