AARP thanks Ohio leaders for keeping issue alive

Jane Taylor, state director for AARP Ohio, released the following statement this morning in reaction to the Ohio House of Representatives’ vote to keep the issue of extending health coverage to Ohioans in low-wage jobs without health insurance before lawmakers as they debate our state’s next biennium budget:

“AARP Ohio sincerely appreciates the leadership shown by members of the Ohio House of Representatives who took a step in the right direction for hard-working Ohioans in need of the health coverage when they kept the door open to Gov. John Kasich’s proposal to expand Medicaid.

While the amendment adopted by the House is not what we advocate, it allows continued study, debate and action in the weeks ahead. We will continue our efforts to work with legislators to ensure that Ohioans in low-wage jobs without health insurance get access to the coverage they need.

We encourage members of both political parties to continue their discussions and deliberations formally and informally. AARP will continue to advocate on behalf of extending health coverage to uninsured Ohioans age 50 to 64 who are struggling in this tough economy. With 1.5 million members statewide, you can count on AARP Ohio continuing to fight on issues that are important to our members and their families.”

Related: Video from the April 11 "Healthy Ohioans Work!" Rally at the Ohio Statehouse.