Working Parents Need Medicaid

Ohio lawmakers are considering serious cutbacks in Medicaid eligibility for low-income working parents. This cutback will eliminate coverage for an estimated 50,000 low-income parents. Lacking health coverage has serious physical, emotional, and financial impacts for the entire family - and puts huge strains on our health care system.

Health Effects of Being Uninsured

Uninsured people live sicker and die sooner than people with insurance. Nearly 40% of America's uninsured skipped a recommended medical test or treatment, and 20% say they went without care for a serious problem in the last year. 

Uninsured people are more likely to go without regular health screenings for chronic and acute conditions, and are less likely to receive consistent care that would control or treat those illnesses. Two common examples of illnesses that are easily treated are asthma and diabetes.

Cutting Medicaid for Parents Hurts Children

If any family member lacks coverage, the whole family suffers economically, physically, and emotionally. In particular, the health of a parent can affect the health and well-being of her or his children. 

Parents in poor health have a harder time attending to the health and other needs of their children. This may be one reason why children of uninsured parents may be less likely to get the full benefits of their own coverage than are children whose parents are insured.

Penny Foolish and Pound Foolish - Medicaid Budget Cuts Cost All Of Us 

People who seek needed health care with no ability to pay often face serious debt, loss of credit, and economic ruin. In fact, in 1999, medical debt accounted for almost 40% of personal bankruptcies in the U.S.

Employers also pay. Many parents who live with untreated illness miss work for longer periods of time. Employee absences are disruptive and expensive for employers seeking a stable, productive workforce.

When uninsured Ohioans seek needed care, hospitals and other providers bear the costs of increased uncompensated care. Uninsured adults are four times more likely to use emergency rooms as their regular source of care - the most expensive setting. Part of the cost for this care is shifted to those with insurance, in the form of higher insurance premiums. The rest is absorbed by the clinic or hospital - limiting health care services for everyone. 

Healthy Children Need Healthy Parents