Title
To support the expansion of the Medicaid program in the State of Ohio.
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio General Assembly is currently considering the expansion of the Medicaid program in the State of Ohio with the use of federal funding; and
WHEREAS, Medicaid expansion would result in greater access to preventative healthcare services, as well as access to mental health and addiction-treatment services, including housing and employment services; and
WHEREAS, this expansion would greatly reduce the number of high-cost emergency room visits, allowing patients to get treated earlier for preventable illnesses; and
WHEREAS, the expansion of Medicaid in Ohio would increase the number of adults with health insurance by nearly 70,000 in Franklin County alone; and
WHEREAS, the expansion of Medicaid would also assist in economic and small business growth in Columbus, allowing federal funds to grow our thriving medical services sector; and
WHEREAS, the major health system leaders in Central Ohio, including OhioHealth, Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, Mount Carmel Health System and Nationwide Children's Hospital, all support the expansion of Medicaid in our state; and
WHEREAS, the expansion of Medicaid statewide will make the City of Columbus stronger and healthier by ensuring that our most vulnerable get the health care that they need; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council fully supports the expansion of the Medicaid program in the State of Ohio, allowing the uninsured and underinsured across the state better access to health services and creating a stronger and healthier Columbus.