Protect Medicaid Now Network
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
Convened by Ohio Federation forHealth Equity and Social Justice, Issues Medicaid Protection
PRESS RELEASE
COLUMBUS, OH – May 26, 2026 – The Protect Medicaid Now Network, convened
by The Ohio Federation for Health Equity and Social Justice (OFHESJ), has submitted a sign-on letter urging Governor Mike DeWine and state legislative leaders to protect Ohio’s Medicaid program as Congress considers federal policy proposals, including H.R. 1, that could significantly reduce federal Medicaid funding.
More than 40 Ohio-based organizations have signed the letter in support, calling on state officials to preserve the integrity of Ohio’s Medicaid program and prioritize policy decisions that advance health outcomes across the state.
The letter emphasizes that Medicaid serves as a critical lifeline for more than 3 million Ohioans, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Coalition leaders warn that federal funding cuts would force Ohio to reassess essential benefits and eligibility, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities.
“Medicaid is the ultimate form of preventative medicine for our state’s infrastructure,”
said Ronald Browder, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Ohio Federation for Health Equity and Social Justice. “We are calling on our state leaders to work to resist any actions that reduce access or shift financial burdens onto families or healthcare providers. Protecting Medicaid is a practical investment in public health and Ohio’s economic stability.”
A major concern outlined in the letter is the preservation of adult dental coverage. Although Ohio implemented a historic reimbursement rate increase in 2024, the first in more than two decades, the state still ranks near the bottom nationally, 44th in adult non-traumatic dental-related emergency room visits. The letter notes that reducing preventive dental coverage leads to costly “cost-shifting,” where patients delay care until treatment becomes urgent and more expensive in hospital emergency departments.
“ Protecting Medicaid means protecting access to preventive oral healthcare for millions of Ohioans,” said Abby Beausir, Director of Oral Health Ohio.
“When people lose access to routine dental care, small and treatable issues become painful and costly emergencies. Oral Health Ohio is proud to stand with the Protect Medicaid Now Network because preserving Medicaid dental benefits is essential to improving health outcomes, reducing avoidable emergency room visits, and ensuring every Ohioan has the opportunity to live a healthy life.”
The Protect Medicaid Now letter highlights three critical priorities:
System Efficiency: Medicaid helps residents manage chronic conditions and
reduces long-term strain on the healthcare system.
Economic Stability: Reliable health coverage helps Ohioans remain healthy enough to work and support their families.
Prevention Over Crisis: Maintaining dental and mental health benefits, including programs such as OhioRISE, helps prevent costly downstream emergency room visits.
Organizations signing in support include Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio, Ohio Association of Community Health Centers, Advocates for Ohio’s Children, Policy Matters Ohio, Ohio Council of Churches, and NAACP Youngstown, reflecting broad statewide concern over the future of Medicaid access in Ohio.
“Harm Reduction Ohio joined the Protect Medicaid Now Network because Medicaid is one of the most important tools Ohio has to keep people alive, connected to care, and stable in their communities,” said AmandaLynn Reese, Chief Program Officer at Harm Reduction Ohio. “Our work is rooted in meeting people where they are, protecting dignity, and recognizing healthcare as a basic human right. For many of the people we serve, Medicaid is the difference between getting treatment, keeping a job, dental care, mental health support, critical medications, and basic preventive care, or ending up in
crisis. Protecting Medicaid is not just a healthcare issue. It is an overdose prevention issue, a family stability issue, and a community safety issue.”
The network is calling on Governor Mike DeWine, Speaker Matt Huffman, Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn, Senate President Rob McColley, and Minority Leader Nicki Antonio to view comprehensive Medicaid access as a priority investment in Ohio’s health, workforce, and long-term economic stability.
Organizations across Ohio are encouraged to continue joining the movement and adding their voices in support of protecting Medicaid.
About the Ohio Federation for Health Equity and Social Justice
The Ohio Federation for Health Equity and Social Justice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health equity and social justice for minority and multicultural populations throughout Ohio. Through advocacy, research, and education, the
Federation works to eliminate health disparities and ensure every Ohioan has the opportunity to achieve their highest level of health.
About Protect Medicaid Now
Protect Medicaid Now is a statewide network of organizations, advocates, and
healthcare leaders committed to defending Medicaid in Ohio. The network works to
ensure that every person, regardless of income, age, or ability, can access the care they
need to live a healthy life.
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