In announcing his support for Medicaid expansion, Ohio Governor John Kasich said that while he “opposes” Obamacare his move “makes great sense for the state of Ohio.” As FL GOP Gov. Rick Scott and AZ GOP Gov. Jan Brewer have already signed on to Medicaid expansion, the longer term practicality of the policy is, some say, superseding political ideology. That remains to be seen — but there’s no question Kasich is a huge ‘get’ for the White House.
Kasich statement in release of his proposed state budget: “While a complex decision, this reform not only helps improve the health of vulnerable Ohioans and frees up local funds for better mental health and addiction services, but it also helps prevent increases to health care premiums and potentially devastating impacts to local hospitals. Additionally, it avoids leaving Ohioans’ federal tax dollars on the table and keeps the federal government from simply giving them away to other states. Importantly, Ohio will roll back this extension if the federal government changes the rules.”