#AdvocacyMatters: Medicaid Updates

June 12, 2026 / #AdvocacyMatters

We have, to put it mildly, been dealing with one of the hardest few weeks in advocacy for disabled Ohioans that has happened in a long time.

From testimony at the Statehouse for HB 795, to quickly pivoting into contacting your legislators as it became a part of SB 315, we relied on your commitment to sharing your stories, and you delivered.

Over the last three weeks, DRO has supported over 20 advocates in sharing their testimony regarding the proposed changes to the Medicaid system, including what was recently passed as SB 315. We were also honored to work together with other organizations throughout this process, including but not limited to the Ohio Olmstead Taskforce ("OOTF"), and The Arc of Ohio. We also were amazed at the support from individual advocates through shares and comments on our evolving Action Alerts.

Matt O'Nesti, Chair of DRO's Board of Directors, explained both the pros and cons of this rushed process in an interview with WFMJ on Wednesday evening (6/10/26).

"When you start to combine a whole bunch of different pieces of legislation, these finer details get left out. It's very complicated to advocate for, as people who live inside of the system know so well. Currently … the provision banning family caregivers has been completely taken out as of what I saw today. That is incredible news not only for myself but for the entire community."

This language was caught early on by disabled advocates just like you, and the alarm on those dangerous additions could only be addressed due to all of the advocacy on your part.

"There is still language in there that is a little concerning surrounding family caregivers in the EVV (electronic visit verification) system, and we're still unclear on where the carve outs are going to be," said Matt. "We are very concerned about putting even more burdens on the EVV system."

Lastly, Matt expresses what advocates have known about this fight from the start. There is a better way to listen to the voices of disabled Ohioans, and it shouldn't have been this hard.

"We really didn't get a seat at the table until we quite literally pushed our way in and forced ourselves into the conversations, and I'm sorry, but that's not the way that this should work."

To watch Matt's full interview with WFMJ, click this link: https://bit.ly/3S1Av5c

Additionally, you can read more about SB 315 as passed here: https://bit.ly/3PZ2UZ4

Stay strong, rest up, and prepare. The fight is not over, and we will need you again tomorrow to make sure disabled Ohioans are heard. For now, we are just so grateful.

#AdvocacyMatters