Universal Healthcare In Ohio? Lakewood Politician Makes Proposal

LAKEWOOD, OH — Two Ohio politicians have proposed implementing universal health care in Ohio.

State Sens. Nickie Antonio, from Lakewood, and Teresa Fedor, from Toledo, both Democrats, introduced Senate Bill 523 this week. Their plan would create the Ohio Health Care Plan (OHCP), a universal, single-payer system providing health care, dental care and vision services to Ohioans.

“Access to health care is a human right that should be available to all, not a privilege for the few who can afford it,” Antonio said. “Ohio’s current health provider system creates disparities among minority populations, as well as the insured, underinsured and uninsured. It is long past time we implement an equitable and comprehensive health care system that treats everyone equally, regardless of their ability to pay. The health and future of Ohioans are at stake.”

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State Rep. Michael Skindell, also from Lakewood, introduced a companion bill in the Ohio House this week, House Bill 446. The legislation would accomplish the same measures and Antonio's and Fedor's bill.

“Containing health care costs and getting people – particularly low-income workers – insured remains challenging. This is a burden on individuals and employers alike," Skindell said. “Even with the Affordable Care Act, we have not yet attained universal coverage in our country. This bill seeks to solve that problem at the state level.”

The legislation is unlikely to advance far in the Republican-dominated General Assembly.

Still, the trio of Democrats noted that the Health Policy Institute of Ohio ranked the Buckeye State as one of the worst places in the nation for "health value." That effectively means that Ohioans are much less likely to live long, healthy lives than their neighbors in other states. It also means Ohioans spend more on health care, while dying sooner, than their neighbors.

“Everyone should have the freedom to receive quality, affordable care from a doctor or dentist of their choosing. Ohioans shouldn’t have to worry about whether they will be able to pay for life-saving treatments after an accident or diagnosis," Fedor said.