Rep. Russo applauds Biden Administration's decision to reverse Medicaid work requirements

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) issued a statement today about the Biden Administration’s recent decision to rescind states’ ability to impose work requirements on those enrolling in Medicaid.

“I am pleased that the Biden Administration is beginning the process of revoking the Medicaid work requirements,” said Rep. Russo.  “Not only are work requirements costly to the state and local governments on the administrative front, but they can also cause low-income individuals already working substantial hours to lose coverage anyway due to extra filing requirements and a lack of available jobs in the area.  93 percent of those on Medicaid are already working, taking care of a family member, going to school, or not working due to illness.  The research clearly demonstrates that when people have access to Medicaid, we also see positive effects on their economic well-being.  Now more than ever, we need the positive economic effects of stable health insurance coverage as we continue mitigating the effects of this global pandemic.”

In January of 2020, Rep. Russo and her colleague, Rep. West, sent a letter to the Ohio Department of Medicaid requesting a pause in the implementation of work requirements due to concerns with the Department’s information technology system known as “Ohio Benefits.”