Medicaid Policy Shift May Disrupt Ohio Efforts to Cover Young Children
A recent federal decision to freeze new Medicaid pilot programs could significantly impact Ohio’s efforts to improve healthcare access for young children. Among the programs affected is a proposal included in the state budget that would provide continuous Medicaid eligibility for children from birth through age three.
This initiative aimed to reduce coverage gaps, ensure consistent care, and lower long-term costs by keeping children enrolled even if their eligibility status changed. Although the federal government recently mandated 12-month continuous coverage for children under 19, Ohio’s proposed multi-year extension now faces uncertainty.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) cited cost concerns as the primary reason for the freeze, warning that expanded continuous eligibility could increase expenses for both states and the federal government.
CMS emphasized that these pilot programs are now on hold and that existing expanded eligibility waivers are time-limited. This puts Ohio’s pending waiver request, submitted to comply with a state budget requirement, in jeopardy, despite support from Gov. Mike DeWine, who vetoed lawmakers’ efforts to eliminate the proposal from state law.
Healthcare advocates argue the freeze could deepen existing health disparities. Nearly 1.2 million children in Ohio rely on Medicaid or CHIP, and data show that over 14% of children under age five went without preventative care in recent years.
Without approval of the continuous enrollment waiver, experts warn that low-income families could continue to struggle with unstable coverage, missed care, and added administrative burdens.
This freeze threatens child’s right to health, survival, and development. Interrupting or delaying access to preventive care and essential health services during formative years can have lifelong consequences.
