Ohio Medicaid budget cuts spark concerns over doula and PACE program funding

The Ohio Senate Medicaid Committee convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the state's Medicaid budget, with a focus on proposed cuts and their implications for maternal and child health services. Key testimonies highlighted concerns over significant reductions to the doula reimbursement program, which would limit coverage to only six counties with the highest infant mortality rates. Advocates argued that this change would undermine access to essential services that have been instrumental in saving lives, potentially violating state law by restricting services to a select few areas.

Additionally, the proposed budget includes a controversial provision that would prohibit the Ohio Department of Medicaid from incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into its operations. Critics expressed that this could hinder the ability to address health disparities linked to race and gender, ultimately complicating medical practice and public health efforts.

Another significant point raised was the removal of the requirement for the Department of Medicaid to apply for a federal waiver to ensure continuous coverage for children up to age three. This change could jeopardize healthcare access for young children, impacting their ability to receive necessary vaccinations and well-child visits.

Testimonies from various stakeholders underscored the importance of maintaining and enhancing Medicaid funding to support vulnerable populations. Jill Miller from the BI 3 Fund emphasized the success of investments in maternal and infant health, noting a historic decline in Ohio's infant mortality rate. She urged the committee to restore funding for critical programs that have proven effective in improving health outcomes.

Craig Worland from 1 Senior Care raised alarms about proposed reimbursement rates for new PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) centers, arguing that the rates are unsustainably low and could hinder the expansion of services for seniors in need of long-term care.

The meeting concluded without immediate resolutions, but the discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges and critical decisions facing Ohio's Medicaid program. Stakeholders called for a reevaluation of budget proposals to ensure that essential health services remain accessible to all Ohioans, particularly the most vulnerable populations. The committee's next steps will be closely watched as they work to balance budgetary constraints with the health needs of the community.