1. COVERING KIDS IN TENUOUS TIMES Families USA Conference January 24, 2008 Mary D. Wachtel Voices for Ohios Children 614.225.9073 mwachtel@vfc-oh.org www.vfc-oh.org

2. A Quiz Its the most curious thing I ever saw in all my life!

3. Alice in Wonderland

4. Ohio Advocates

5. Ohios Medicaid Expansions passed in 2008-2009 Budget Pregnant women to 200% FPL Youth emancipating from foster care Ticket to Work Childrens Buy-In program MCaid/SCHIP for kids to 300% FPL

6. How We Got The Expansions Specific proposal – media exposure Bipartisan support and leadership Strong public support Included in biennial state budget bill

7. Where We Are Now January 2008 implementation: –Pregnant women –Youth emancipating from foster care April 2008 implementation: –Childrens Buy-In Program (CBI) –Ticket to Work

8. MCaid/SCHIP to 300%

9. What Happened? 8.17.07

10. Options for 200-300% File for 201-250% 251-300% Appeal Litigate Use state funds Start CBI at 251%

11. Things to Consider Not all states are the same Balancing moving forward with larger goal Political context Ripple effect Federal advocacy key in 2008

12. THANK YOU!