Wagoner, Peterson and Coughlin Improve Budget

posted June 29, 2007

COLUMBUS – The Buckeye Institute today praised Rep. Mark Wagoner (R-Toledo) for improving Ohio’s Medicaid program and Rep. Jon Peterson (R-Delaware) and Sen. Kevin Coughlin (R- Cuyahoga Falls) for providing educational options to special needs children.  The legislators shepherded and won passage of these important provisions in the state budget bill (HB 119).

Rep. Wagoner’s measure instructs the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to develop a risk-adjusted rate payment structure for Medicaid managed care organizations.  The move allows managed care providers to tailor services to meet individual patient needs.  A similar reform enacted in Florida shows promise in containing Medicaid costs and improving patient care.

“Rep. Wagoner has put Ohio on the road to significant Medicaid reform,” Buckeye Institute President David Hansen said.  “His efforts will benefit taxpayers and Medicaid users alike.  The program’s costs will be contained and services to patients will improve.”

Hansen also commended Rep. Peterson and Sen. Coughlin for their work on special needs education vouchers.  “Parents should have alternatives when government schools fail to meet the needs of children with disabilities,” Hansen said.  “This measure empowers parents to make the best educational choices for their children.”

Governor Ted Strickland has promised to veto this important educational choice provision.  Hansen asked the governor to do what is best for these children and allow this important educational option to become law.