The Ohio Department of Medicaid made a stop in Zanesville

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The new expansion of Medicaid has given more people the opportunity to work.

The Director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid made a visit to Zanesville to talk about the expansion report. Barbara Sears said they believe it’s improving the populations health, that it is manageable and affordable and it’s good for the economy. Without Medicaid, Bradlena Jordan and Candice Kaser said they wouldn’t be able to work and provide for their families.

“We’ve seen that it’s improved family stability, we’ve seen that is has lowered the uninsured rate in the state of Ohio and we’ve seen improvement in the health outcomes,” said Sears.

“I’m able to go to the doctor and get the care that I need and so therefore, I’m able to go to work,” Jordan said. “I’m able to work for a company that I enjoy and not have to go to some place that’s less enjoyable. I’m able to give back and I’m able to provide for my family,” explained Kaser.

But people in the community have their concerns. CEO of Muskingum Behavioral Health, Steve Carrel, said Medicaid’s new rule limits the people available to work for him and do addiction work. He said he wants them to know that people with a background can still be good employees.

“The provider field and Medicaid are trying to find some kind of common ground that we can have people with lived experience who really, really welt our clients and you know at the same time, ensure public safety,” said Carrel.

For more information, you can visit medicaid.ohio.gov.