Feds force Ohio to tighten eligibility for children’s health insurance

In another routine intrusion of the Feds on the rights of our sovereign States reported by the Columbus Dispatch, the Bush Administration has informed Gov. Ted Strickland that it will not allow Ohio to expand the children’s SCHIP buy-in health insurance benefit to 300% of the poverty level ($51,510 per year for a family of three). The proposed expansion of the benefit was approved by the Ohio General Assembly in June and championed by Gov. Strickland. The Federal regulators suggested that he resubmit the request at 250% of poverty level. While Gov. Strickland has agreed to do so, he also has publicly pledged to sue the Feds if Ohio’s request is denied.

It is good to see an Ohio Governor stand up to the Feds! Unfortunately, this is not likely to be the last time he will be called on to do so.