What They're Saying About Health Care

 
What They’re Saying: Health Care
“We are appreciative that Governor Kasich and his administration are proposing continued funding and coverage for some of our most vulnerable citizens and preservation of access to care for children.  We also applaud the Governor for recognizing and incentivizing programs focused on improving health outcomes and innovative health care delivery models. We are proud of our collaboration with our patients, families and communities to provide the right care in the right place at the right time. We appreciate the Governor’s efforts to create public policy that focuses on the needs of the children, adolescents and families that we serve.”
Ohio Children’s Hospital Association Board of Directors, William Considine, Chairman of
 
“We at University Hospitals commend and thank Gov. Kasich for including reauthorization of Medicaid eligibility in his budget proposal. The governor is showing strong leadership on the issue of health care access for the working poor.”
University Hospitals (Cleveland), Thomas F. Zenty III, CEO of
 
“I was thrilled, but not surprised, to read in the paper on Sunday that Governor Kasich will include additional funding in the budget for children in need of mental health services.  I’ve also been told that there will be continued funding in the Governor’s budget for the Residential State Supplement program for adults with serious mental illness who are unable to live on their own. These programs, coupled with health insurance for low income Ohioans, some of whom struggle with untreated mental health disorders, will go a long way toward addressing the needs of many of our state’s must vulnerable citizens. NAMI Ohio is grateful to Governor Kasich for prioritizing mental health during his first four years in office and right now it looks like the next four years will be much the same.”
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio, Terry Russell, Executive Director
 
“Governor John Kasich has made a principled decision in his budget this year with the continued funding of health care coverage for some of our most at risk Ohioans. At CareSource, we applaud the Governor’s forward thinking position to be a catalyst for creating and maintaining a healthy population. Governor Kasich understands that health care transforms lives and that every Ohioan deserves access to health care coverage. His commitment to a healthier Ohio is essential to our overall economic competitiveness, and we appreciate his continued commitment to transforming health care in our State.”
CareSource, Pam Morris, President and CEO
 
“AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio) extends its appreciation and support for the State of Ohio’s new budget. The proposed continued funding and coverage for some of Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens is critical to ARC Ohio’s work and provides tools and resources that will help reduce the rate of new HIV infections in Ohio.”
AIDS Resource Center Ohio
 
“Cleveland Clinic applauds Gov. John Kasich for funding Medicaid coverage for Ohioans. By maintaining Medicaid support for low income working citizens more people are able to get the right care, at the right time.  Increased access to care results in better health outcomes, decreases job loss and disability, and a healthier economic future for Ohio.”
Kristen Morris, Chief Government and Community Relations Officer, Cleveland Clinic
 
“MetroHealth knows first-hand that healthcare works to transform lives. During the MetroHealth Care Plus pilot program, which was an early version of this coverage, we found many enrollees were the working poor, often struggling to find coverage and maintain health. After providing access to coverage, we found health outcomes were improved and costs were significantly lower than estimates. In fact, many were accessing essential services such as dentistry or behavioral health for the first time in years. While there is a lot that the budget proposes in the way of reform, it is critical that coverage be continued so that reform is possible. MetroHealth appreciates the Governor's steadfast support on this issue and look forward to a partnership that makes all of our communities healthier.”
MetroHealth System
 
“I commend Governor John Kasich for providing continued funding in the Administration’s proposed budget to give low-income Ohioans access to health care services. I look forward to working with Governor Kasich and our legislators as we all work to continue Ohio’s leadership role in promoting health care access for all Ohioans. We will work to ensure that the Medicaid budget and other health reforms allow us to continue our mission of improving people’s lives through innovation in research, education and patient care.”
Dr. Steven G. Gabbe, CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
 
“We applaud Governor Kasich for his dedicated attention on the importance of behavioral health. Medicaid is an essential work support program that provides important access to mental health and addiction services in Ohio.  Access to mental health and addiction services is essential to keeping Ohioans healthy, improving school success for our children, supporting families, building bridges to work, and growing jobs and our economy.” 
Hubert Wirtz, CEO of the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health and Family Services Providers
 
“The Association of Ohio Health Commissioners is pleased to learn that Governor Kasich’s budget, as introduced today, will provided [sic] continued funding for Medicaid coverage for some of Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens.”
Shelia Hiddleson, President of the Association of Ohio Health Commissioners
 
“At Summa Health System, we firmly believe that Medicaid helps. Through the healthcare services that come with Medicaid, lives are transformed: addictions are overcome; healthy babies are born; jobs are obtained; and mental and emotional health is maintained. With this in mind, Summa is appreciative of the continued effort and commitment that the Governor and his administration have shown in working to continue funding and coverage for some of the most vulnerable Ohioans. In addition, we have been encouraged by the recent statements made by leaders in the Senate and House about maintaining health care coverage in this budget. We look forward to working with them and the members of the General Assembly in demonstrating that high quality, low-cost providers like Summa provide care that creates both value and financial stability for the state of Ohio.”
Summa Health System