Columbus, OH – Rea S. Hederman Jr., executive director of the Economic Research Center and vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute, issued the following statement on the approval of Ohio’s Medicaid work and community engagement waiver by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“Today’s announcement is good news for Ohio and Ohioans, and is an important step in reforming the state’s health care system. The Buckeye Institute’s research shows that with these work requirements many Ohioans will see higher earnings over their lifetimes and they will gain valuable work experience by remaining connected to the workforce.

“With the approval of Ohio’s waiver, it is now the responsibility of the state to develop a system that allows Medicaid enrollees to easily report their time working, and that ensures no one deserving of services is kicked-off the roles due to an overly cumbersome reporting process.

“The Buckeye Institute looks forward to working with Governor DeWine and his administration on this and further reforms that will strengthen Ohio’s health care system.”

# # #