Rep. Richardson Votes in Support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 5

State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) voted yesterday in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 – urging President Trump to support the Ohio Department of Medicaid’s pending request to implement work requirements for Medicaid expansion recipients.

“The time has come to transition able bodied Ohioans off of Medicaid and into the workforce,” Richardson said. “The State of Ohio has many opportunities, grants and scholarships that will help ensure that individuals have the education and support they need to become self- sufficient. I hope the Federal Government will take action on our recommendation”.

This request was made by the Ohio Department of Medicaid to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in February this year. 

Should this request be approved, starting January 1, 2026, to be enrolled in Medicaid Group VIII services, an individual must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:  

• Be at least fifty-five years of age
• Be employed
• Be enrolled in school or an occupational training program
• Be participating in an alcohol and drug addiction treatment program
• Have intensive physical health care needs or serious mental illness

By encouraging employment and education, this would reduce reliance on Medicaid services over time, helping fill jobs and helping Ohioans prosper. 

Currently in Ohio, there are 144,792 jobs available and 93,389 of them have over a $50,000 salary. 

The resolution is now adopted, and the Ohio Department of Medicaid awaits a decision from the Federal Government to approve or deny the waiver.