OSMA Encouraged by Health Care Initiatives in Gov. Kasich's Budget Blueprint

Richard R. Ellison, MD, president of the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA), issued the following statement in reaction to the state budget released by Gov. John Kasich today.

“In an effort to curb an $8 billion deficit, many difficult decisions were made by the Kasich Administration in the budget released today. These decisions require shared sacrifice from all stakeholders. With Medicaid reimbursements for physicians staying at 65 percent of Medicare rates, Ohio physicians will continue to share in the responsibility of helping Ohio achieve a balanced budget.

As we look to the future, Ohio physicians have long advocated that increased care coordination through initiatives like the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) and a greater commitment to prevention and wellness can provide greater efficiency and outcomes in our health care delivery system. The Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) is encouraged by the items in Gov. Kasich’s budget which seek to achieve these goals. We look forward to working with the Kasich Administration and the General Assembly to ensure that the physician-patient relationship remains paramount as these and other initiatives move forward.

In addition, the OSMA will work with our elected leaders on other cost saving measures like increasing personal responsibility among patients and extending medical liability reform to physicians participating in the Medicaid program. According to a recent OSMA survey, nearly 73 percent of physicians said that extending liability protection will make them at least somewhat likely to see more Medicaid patients.”