Rep. Liston introduces legislation to support young adults with special healthcare needs

COLUMBUS— State Reps. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) and Mark Fraizer (R-Newark) introduced legislation today that would support young adults with special healthcare needs by expanding the eligibility for the Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH) program to individuals aged 26 years and younger. The current age limit is 21 years old. 

The Children with Medical Handicaps Program within the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) funds services for the diagnosis and treatment of eligible conditions, assists in increasing access to care across the state by collaborating with public health nurses and local health departments, and assists families as a payer of last resort for medical treatments.

“CMH helps young people with chronic health conditions get the care they need to thrive. This bill will expand healthcare access for our most vulnerable,” says Rep. Liston.

This legislation was previously introduced as House Bill (HB) 727 during the 133rd General Assembly by Rep. Fraizer and former Rep. Randi Clites (D-Ravenna). Under current federal and state law, young adults can stay on their parents’ insurance coverage until age 26. The current limit for the CMH program of age 21 creates a five year gap that can cause young adults to struggle to access and afford necessary treatment and care.

The legislation would gradually raise the CMH eligibility age to 26 by July 1, 2026. 

The bill now awaits a bill number and assignment to a House committee.