Whereas our year-end Thanks and Spanks usually recognizes the best and worst of the year, we decided to devote our full recognition to outgoing Gov. Ted Strickland who has been an ally throughout his four years as chief executive of the state.  Among his administration’s final acts was to petition the federal government to expand Medicaid eligibility for family planning.

After years of research and advocacy, more Ohioans are closer than ever before to being able to access critical family planning services.
With the support and encouragement of Gov. Ted Strickland, the state Medicaid office submitted a plan to the federal government last week that seeks to expand eligibility for Medicaid family planning services.  If approved, Ohio would join at least 28 other states that have received necessary federal approval.  This would affect approximately 180,000 Ohio women with incomes of up to 200% of the poverty level who are not otherwise eligible and who typically have limited access to the health care system.

Expanding contraceptive services is a proven strategy to significantly reduce Medicaid costs for unplanned births and newborn care and is also sound fiscal policy since the federal government pays 90% of the cost for Medicaid family planning services.
Thanks Gov. Strickland for your honest and compassionate leadership!

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