Ohio to Help Its ADAPs

Gov. Ted Strickland has announced his plans to distribute some of the $519 million in new federal Medicaid money headed to Ohio. Strickland said Thursday that $13 million will be allocated for the state AIDS Drug Assistance Program; hospitals will get $150 million to help offset state fees; and $33 million will preserve jobs in the mental health system.

The governor is awaiting input from state lawmakers and health care providers before deciding how to spend about $235 million. The funds became available after Congress agreed in August to continue paying a higher share of the Medicaid program. That increased assistance, which had been set to expire at the end of this year, now will continue through June 30, 2011.