MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Paul Quinn, Communications Director
The Health Policy Institute of Ohio
Office: (614) 545-0759
Cell: (614) 256-0753
Medicaid Overview Released (Medicaid Basics 2009)
Columbus, Ohio
– The Health Policy Institute of Ohio has released it biennial report
providing an overview of the Ohio Medicaid program. Called Medicaid
Basics 2009, the publication provides summary information on the
state’s largest health and long-term care program, which provides
services to 2.2 million low-income and medically vulnerable Ohioans.
Given the state’s current economic climate and the challenges facing
the Governor and General Assembly as they prepare the 2009-2010 budget,
understanding the multi-faceted Medicaid program is critical. That is
especially true when considering that more money is spent on Medicaid
than any other program in the state budget. In 2008, $13 billion
(including federal funds), or 23 percent of the $57 billion in total
state spending, was devoted to Medicaid.
Included in Medicaid Basics 2009 is:
- Overview of Medicaid;
- Eligibility and benefit packages;
- Mandatory and optional benefits;
- The delivery system;
- Administration;
- Financing;
- 2009 issues, and;
- Online resources.
The 20-page overview was presented to Ohio legislators earlier this
week. The principal author is Greg Moody, a senior consultant with
Health Management Associates. HMA is a national research and consulting
firm specializing in health care program and policy issues.
The Health Policy Institute of Ohio is an independent, nonpartisan
organization that forecasts health trends, analyzes key health issues
and communicates research to Ohio policymakers, state agencies and
other decision makers. The Institute also convenes discussions on
important health issues for Ohio by bringing together representatives
from various sectors with a keen interest in health matters.
For a copy of Medicaid Basics 2009, go to
http://www.healthpolicyohio.org or contact The Health Policy Institute at 614-224-4950.
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