Court Upholds Board's Medicaid Expansion Vote

Ohio's high court has upheld a state legislative panel's vote to fund an expansion of Medicaid. The 4-3 vote by the Ohio Supreme Court on Friday came after Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion groups sued the state Controlling Board and Ohio Department of Medicaid over the vote. The groups and lawmakers had argued the board exceeded its authority when granting a request from the governor's administration to spend $2.56 billion in federal funds to cover more people with Medicaid, the health care program for the poor and disabled. Attorneys for the state argued the panel acted consistently with state law and standard practice.
The seven-member board handles certain adjustments to Ohio's budget. It approved the expansion in October. Prospective enrollees have been allowed to apply for Medicaid coverage.