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Rep. Brennan Provides Sponsor Testimony on Bipartisan Legislation on Medicaid Estate Recovery Program

April 3, 2025
Sean P. Brennan News

COLUMBUS — State Reps. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) and Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp) Tuesday provided sponsor testimony in the Ohio House Medicaid Committee on House Bill (HB) 130. If enacted, this bill would require the Department of Medicaid to take a consumer-focused approach and notify Ohioans in layman’s terms of the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program at the time of application and when they are approved to be a Medicaid recipient.

By requiring that Medicaid applicants receive clear, written explanations of the Estate Recovery Program both at the time of application and upon approval, we can ensure that individuals and families can make fully informed financial decisions. Transparency allows families to explore legal options, such as estate planning strategies, to protect assets while still complying with Medicaid rules.

Many Ohioans have been adversely affected due to lack of notification and comprehensive understanding of the estate recovery program. HB 130 would ensure that individuals are made aware not just once but twice in the process before becoming a Medicaid recipient who may be subject to estate recovery. 

“One of my top priorities as an elected official is to make the lives of those I serve better and to restore faith and trust in their government by ensuring their government is working for them. If there are barriers to accessing vital information or services, I will work to remove them. I will continue to be vocal about the great need for transparency,” said Rep. Brennan. “I am honored to join my Republican colleague Rep. LaRe on this important legislation.” 

This legislation would: 

  • Requires the Department of Medicaid to provide notification regarding the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program, including specified information, both when an individual applies and is approved for Medicaid
  • Also requires ODM to develop a consumer-focused notification explaining how the Medicaid estate recovery program works and a notification for Medicaid recipients who may be at risk of being subject to the estate recovery program, listing available resources.
  • Requires ODM to adopt rules to implement the bill’s notification requirements. 

HB 130 now awaits further hearings in the House Medicaid Committee.