State lawmakers, gubernatorial candidates, and regulators are accelerating efforts to strengthen Medicaid oversight in Ohio following a week of renewed attention on fraud and abuse involving home- and community-based services and hospice care.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy this week outlined his anti-fraud agenda that would prioritize Medicaid enforcement actions, pursue additional federal flexibility through a Medicaid waiver, and consolidate oversight efforts across state government. Ramaswamy said the proposal could reduce fiscal year 2027 Medicaid spending by roughly 10 percent while returning savings to Ohioans through healthcare affordability initiatives.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton also responded this week that her administration would prioritize addressing Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse while protecting access to affordable, quality care.
For Ohio’s aging services providers, the exchange is an early sign that Medicaid oversight, enforcement, and spending policy will remain central issues throughout the 2026 governor’s race. It also reinforces the importance of balancing program integrity efforts with provider stability, workforce realities, and continued access to care for older Ohioans and other Medicaid beneficiaries.
House lawmakers signaled they are preparing additional legislation focused on Medicaid program integrity before summer recess. House Medicaid Committee Chair Jennifer Gross said lawmakers expect an active committee schedule in the coming weeks as proposals continue developing.
One vehicle for those discussions is House Bill 795, sponsored by Rep. Josh Williams, which would expand electronic verification requirements for home health care and non-emergency medical transportation services. Williams said lawmakers are considering broader anti-fraud provisions and additional recommendations from the auditor’s office, legislative leadership, and state agencies as part of a larger Medicaid reform package.
The debate intensified following testimony from Daily Wire reporter Luke Rosiak, whose reporting on home health billing practices in Central Ohio prompted renewed scrutiny from lawmakers and state officials. Discussions during committee highlighted both concerns about fraudulent activity and concerns from disability advocates about preserving access to essential home- and community-based services.
Advocates for people with disabilities urged lawmakers to ensure reforms do not unintentionally create barriers for individuals relying on in-home supports to remain in their communities. Testimony before the committee emphasized the importance of balancing accountability measures with flexibility for individuals receiving care in nontraditional settings.
LeadingAge Ohio has consistently supported targeted safeguards that strengthen transparency, accountability, and enforcement while protecting quality providers serving Ohioans appropriately and ethically. Earlier this week, LeadingAge Ohio-backed House Bill 945 was introduced to strengthen hospice program integrity and oversight across the state. The legislation includes enhanced licensure requirements, stronger ownership transparency provisions, expanded quality monitoring, criminal background checks, and additional enforcement authority for regulators.
LeadingAge Ohio continues to emphasize that responsible providers welcome stronger oversight measures designed to identify bad actors and reinforce trust in Medicaid-funded services.
The coming weeks are expected to bring additional legislative proposals, committee hearings, and negotiations as lawmakers work to finalize new Medicaid oversight policies before the General Assembly’s summer break.