Sykes responds to Ohio Dept. of Medicaid's expansion Group VIII report

State Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) today responded to the Ohio Department of Medicaid’s assessment of Ohio’s 2014 Medicaid expansion. The evaluation analyzed Group VIII participants who were enrolled in Medicaid for at least 30 days and included a detailed telephone survey, biometric screening and qualitative interviews. Representative Sykes has been a strong supporter of Medicaid’s Expansion since its inception in 2014.

“The assessment of the Medicaid Group VIII is additional evidence that Ohio needs to continue the Medicaid expansion,” Sykes said. “The report proves that access to healthcare gives Ohioans more freedom and security. Discontinuing or undermining this program will not only set Ohioans back, but will also create more undue stress when working or job searching.”

Medicaid’s findings detailed that more than 1.26 million Ohioans have participated in the Medicaid expansion since it began in 2014. According to the report, the most common reason Group VIII participants unenrolled from the program was that family income increased or the participants obtained employment. A majority of enrollees stated that being on Medicaid made it easier to work and unemployed enrollees said Medicaid made it easier to look for work. 

Sykes, who serves as the House Minority Whip, represents Ohio’s 34^th House district, which includes Akron and parts of Cuyahoga Falls and Bath Township.