Stow Mayor Karen Fritschel presents a resolution to Kevin Coughlin. Photo courtesy of Amanda Harnocz.

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“Senators Coughlin and Kearney have shown a strong commitment to Ohio’s physicians and their patients by fighting to improve the health care delivery system in our state,” said Tim Maglione, senior director of the OSMA. “We are pleased to present them with the Voice of Medicine Award in gratitude for their work in the Ohio legislature.”

Sen. Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) has served as the Chairman of the Health, Human Services and Aging Committee for the past six years. He has sponsored and co-sponsored legislation which would provide greater access to medical care and also supported legislation which would provide for fairer reimbursement rates. Most recently, Sen. Coughlin was the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 64, pending legislation which would require health care plans to provide benefits for colorectal examinations.

“It is an honor to receive the Voice of Medicine Award from the OSMA,” said Coughlin. “I have fought hard to improve the health care delivery system in Ohio during my career. In doing so, I have worked closely with the OSMA to make sure that any proposals must protect the doctor-patient relationship while improving health care delivery in our state.”

Like Coughlin, Sen. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) has supported legislation to increase access to medical care and legislation to reduce the bureaucracy physicians confront when dealing with health insurers. This year marks his third annual walk from Cincinnati to Columbus to bring attention to the children’s health issues. He is also the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 24, pending legislation which would establish nutritional standards for food and beverages sold in public schools.

“I am grateful to receive this award from the OSMA,” said Kearney. “From fighting childhood obesity to improving prevention and wellness insurance coverage, I have worked with the OSMA on many efforts to help improve the health and well-being of Ohioans, especially children.“
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The Voice of Medicine Award is presented to individuals outside of the health care profession for advancing the OSMA’s mission of improving the practice of medicine for physicians, their staff and patients.

The OSMA last presented the award to State Sen. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati) and State Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) in 2008 for their work on the Healthcare Simplification Act (H.B. 125). The legislation, signed into law in March 2008, mandates transparency and fairness in the contracting process between physicians and insurance providers.

About OSMA
The Ohio State Medical Association is a statewide association representing 20,000 Ohio physicians, residents, medical students and practice managers. It is dedicated to improving the practice of medicine for physicians, their staff and patients, by advocating their position, saving them time and money, and promoting the medical profession. The OSMA is affiliated with the American Medical Association on the national level and county medical societies on the local level.

“Anne and I are saddened by the sudden passing of a friend and outstanding jurist, Chief Justice Thomas Moyer. Chief Justice Moyer was committed to professionalizing Ohio’s courts. He championed judicial reforms including merit selection and the elimination of archaic mayor’s courts. He passionately argued for effective courts that protect the rights of citizens. Chief Justice Moyer’s opinions were consistently grounded in reason and he was respected by political leaders on both sides of the aisle. His thoughtful leadership will be missed on our high court and throughout the state of Ohio.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s family. They can take comfort in knowing that his imprint will be felt on Ohio’s judicial system for generations to come.”

A Better Educated Workforce. A College Degree in Reach of More Ohioans.

Where we are

• Ohio ranks 41st in the percentage of people over 25 with bachelors degrees.
• Ohio ranks 28th in personal income per capita.
• Too many Ohioans are being priced out of a college education.

Where we need to be

• Ranked in the top one-third of states with a college-educated population.
• Ranked in the top one-third in incomes.
• A state where a college degree in within reach of more Ohioans.
• A state that is recognized for having an educated workforce, ready to work on day one.

The Ohio Promise Scholarship

An achievement-based scholarship program that provides substantial financial aid to Ohioans attending in-state public and private institutions of higher learning. Once fully implemented, about 87,180 students will receive the scholarship each year.

Eligibility

Students are eligible for the scholarship if they:
• Rank in the top 33.3% of their high school graduating class. Scholarships will pass down to the next eligible students in line so that 33.3% of all Ohio high school graduating classes will receive the award.
• Pass all parts of the Ohio graduation test
• Are a resident of Ohio for at least two years preceding their high school graduation
• Graduate from high school with a diploma
• Complete the core curriculum

Students are not eligible if they:

• Are not attending a public or private four-year or two-year institution in Ohio
• Are attending college outside of Ohio
• Already have secured grants equal to or greater than the scholarship.

Scholarship Renewal

Scholarships may be renewed for up to three additional years provided that the student:
• Maintains at least a 3.0 GPA in college
• Completes the minimum credits to be classified as full time each term

If a students loses eligibility while in college, they may regain eligibility only once.

Scholarship Amounts

Four-year public and private institutions: $7,000 or tuition (lesser)
Four-year branch campuses: $4,250 or tuition (lesser)

Two-year community colleges: $2,750 or tuition (lesser)

* for private institutions, if the difference between existing scholarships/grants and $20,000 is less than $7,000 the amount of the Ohio Promise Scholarship will be adjusted to fill that gap.

Program Funding

The Ohio Promise Scholarship will be provided from the investment earnings of a trust fund established and managed by the Treasurer of State. The principle will be established by investing the proceeds of the sale or lease of the Ohio Lottery and the lease of the Ohio Turnpike to private operators.

Based on similar arrangements in other U.S. states and foreign countries, Ohio can reasonably expect to secure $9 billion on the sale of the Ohio Lottery and $6 billion on the lease of the Ohio Turnpike. After paying down the Turnpike’s debt, that leaves $14 billion for the scholsrahip trust fund.

If the fund is left to mature for two years before awarding the first scholarships and the fund earns at least a 5% return annually, the program can be fully funded by investment income alone.

Legislative Package Needed to Make This a Reality

1) Senate Joint Resolution 9 (1) allowing the Ohio Lottery to be operated by a private entity, and (2) allowing the proceeds of the sale of the lottery to be used for college scholarships. Note: No change is proposed to the annual payout required by law to k-12 education.

2) Senate Bill 224 (1) establishing the scholarship program and the fund, (2) requiring the sale of the Ohio Lottery, (3) abolishing the Ohio Lottery Commission, (4) transfers the Charitable Gaming Oversight function back to Attorney General, (5) requiring the lease of the Ohio Turnpike, (6) Abolishing the Ohio Turnpike Commission and, (7) establishing appropriate oversight.

Other notes on the scholarship program set-up

• Scholarship is for first-time freshmen direct to college from high school
• If a student completes two years at a community college and are eligible for scholarship renewal, the scholarship follows them to a qualified 4-year institution.
• The Ohio Board of Regents is directed to recommend to the legislature what financial assistance programs can be eliminated as a result of the Ohio Promise
Scholarship to avoid duplication and produce savings to the GRF.

• The Department of Education and Board of Regents are directed work with the Treasurer of State to establish the program.
• The Treasurer of State shall implement the scholarship program, invest and administer the fund, determine eligibility of students, and process all awards.
• Only up to one quarter of one percent of the money in the scholarship fund may be used to implement and administer the program.
• All interest money is to be credited to the fund.
• The scholarships may only be funded by interest income. The principal shall not be spent.
• The scholarship amount may be adjusted down if, in any given year, the Treasurer of State determines that the amount of interest in the fund cannot fund the number of eligible students at the rate set in statute.
• Requires Treasurer to adopt rules for notification by high schools and universities of eligible students.
• Upon receipt of notification of eligibility, OBM must establish an individual account for each eligible student. Each academic year the student is eligible, the Treasurer will direct OBM to credit to the account an amount equal to the scholarship under the program for that academic year.
• Each year a student is eligible, the Treasurer shall cause an electronic transfer of scholarship process from the student’s account to the institution the student is attending.

“For too many Ohioans, being smart enough isn’t good enough. Too many people are being priced out of a college tuition, or left with crippling debt when they graduate.

“The most ambitious financial aide package ever proposed in our state, the Ohio Promise Scholarship is the kind of courageous move we need to make in order to get Ohio working again.”

- Senator Kevin Coughlin

As the debate over health care reform reaches a fevered pitch in Washington, I think it is appropriate for our caucus to put forward a state-based approach to lower health care costs and open up greater access.

We’ve made some progress here already with dramatic medical malpractice tort reform. But the current federal proposal would eventually squeeze out private health coverage and quality care, replacing it with government-run coverage and mediocre care.

Given our majority in the Senate, we have an opportunity to provide other states with a template for resistance to a federal takeover of health coverage and define a proactive approach to lowering costs and creating access. I suggest the following:

Pass Senate Joint Resolution 2

Universal health care is a goal shared by people from both parties. But states can define the context of that reform by taking a strong stand against an individual mandate and government-run health care.

Early this year while the health care debate was still simmering I introduced SJR 2, a proposed constitutional amendment protecting the right to enter into private contracts with health care providers for health care services and to purchase private health care coverage. It also prohibits the General Assembly from requiring any person to participate in any health care system or plan, or to impose a penalty or fine, of any type, for choosing to obtain or decline health care coverage or for participation in any particular health care system or plan.

This addition to our state constitution will be a clear expression by the people of Ohio that we do not want compulsory government-run health care. It is possible that health care reform may provide the opportunity for the long-awaited showdown over states rights in the United States Supreme Court. If that comes to pass, states can help support that case now by passing measures similar to SJR 2.

It should be noted that SJR 2′s proposed election date for the issue to appear on the ballot will have to be amended to 2010.

Urge Congress to Remove the Handcuffs

We should pass resolutions urging Congress to provide the two most meaningful reforms they can: tax equality and interstate pooling of risk. Congress must address the disparity in tax treatment between those who have health care provided by an employer and those who purchase it themselves. And Congress would do well by states by allowing privately-insured people to enter multi-state risk pools. Currently, people are restricted to in-state only insurance. Multi-state private insurance dilutes risk, creates greater stability, and keeps costs under control.

Explore Multi-State Partnerships

We should explore the legality and feasibility of entering into a multi-state compact for the provision of multi-state private health insurance. Compacts have allowed states to innovate while asserting their sovereignty. We should pass legislation directing the state to work with the Council of State Government’s Center for Interstate Compacts to explore this possibility.

Address Wellness and Prevention

Healthy people cost less. While much can be done without legislation, I would urge all members to think about ways the legislature can combat preventable chronic diseases, reduce childhood obesity, and help local governments with healthy design.

Senator Eric Kearney and I are set to introduce a bill addressing childhood obesity and school nutrition and activity. This is a collaborative effort with the Ohio Business Roundtable and I urge you to take a look at the bill and give it your support.

A renewed commitment to smoking cessation and prevention, and consideration of reasonable diabetes and colorectal cancer screening insurance coverage should also be part of our agenda. While none of these appear to fit in our conservative world view, the data linking prevention in these areas, costs savings, and reduced deaths is compelling and impossible to dispute.

Collaboration with the Private Insurers

We should seize the initiative and engage the health insurance and health care stakeholders to develop a low-cost bare bones product that anyone not eligible for Medicaid can afford. Remember that the private health insurance market is primarily regulated by the states, not by the federal government. Our ability to change the private market in Ohio, preferably by consensus, is important in showing that states are the rightful place for this reform. This type of leadership will not come from the governor.

One Stop Shop for Health Care Consumerism

Advanced consumerism in health care will lead to better quality and lower costs as providers compete for patients. The state should be taking steps to allow Ohioans to become better, more empowered consumers of health care. That means providing information to help them choose providers.

We should pass legislation establishing a one stop shop website providing information on quality, cost, and efficiency so people can make informed decisions when choosing providers. The state already collects a host of data including but not limited to hospital infection rates, disciplinary action, violations, and much more. We should also collect information on the costs of procedures and services and their outcomes. Ohioans should have the opportunity to share their reviews of providers on the website making it a “TripAdvisor.com of health care.”

There is much more that Ohio and other states can do. But within the remaining timeframe of our session and with Congress moving quickly on federal reform, I urge Senate Republicans to show the nation why states are the right place to address critical health care issues.

“Bob Schuler was not just a colleague. He was a friend. Bob’s friendly nature and his dry wit had a way of putting others at ease and helped him develop strong relationships during his time in the legislature. He was a constant champion for southwest Ohio and his expertise in the complex areas of energy and public utilities will be missed.

“Bob was a long-time participant in the Council of State Governments, where I got to know him and Shelagh well. Bob and Shelagh have been a nearly inseparable pair who have lived their lives together to the fullest. I spoke with Bob on his birthday last Monday. Even through his struggle, I could tell that he had found comfort in the love and company of his family.

“Anne and I are praying for Bob, Shelagh and their family. We will miss our friend and Ohio will miss a great public servant.”

“SJR 2 makes patient freedom the top priority in health care reform by protecting Ohioans from having their health care choices dictated by government-appointed bureaucrats,” said Coughlin.

SJR 2 amends the Ohio Constitution to ensure that the people of Ohio have the right to enter into private contracts with health care providers for health care services and to purchase private health care coverage.  The amendment also prohibits the legislature from requiring Ohioans to participate in any health care system or plan, or from imposing a penalty or fine for choosing to decline government-endorsed health care coverage.

“Even a small-scale replacement of private insurance with government-provided coverage could be disastrous to Ohioans’ health care,” explained Coughlin.  ”As the government increases its share of the market, it will slowly choke out private insurance, undercutting its competitors and leaving Ohioans with lower quality care and less access.”

Since taking office, Governor Strickland has been sympathetic to the concept of single-payer government provided health care and has voiced his support for the expansion of state-run health care to include more of the middle class. In addition, President Obama has indicated his desire to impose limited mandates for health coverage on citizens and to move toward a government-run system of health care. With leaders in Ohio and in Washington working to expand government’s role in our health care choices, Coughlin warned that the General Assembly must act now to protect Ohioans’ right to purchase private health care.

“Ohio families don’t want to wait in line for months to see a doctor or have a government bureaucrat telling them which physician they can see,” said Coughlin. “At a time when many Ohioans are concerned that government is expanding its reach and influence in our lives, health care represents the tipping point between free citizens and their government. Once government gets control of your health care, it controls your life.”

“If the big government types in Columbus and Washington, D.C. truly want to make health care affordable, they should support wellness and prevention to promote a healthier population,  focus on reducing chronic diseases, and offer tax breaks and incentives for purchasing insurance or creating health savings accounts,” Coughlin added.

SJR 2 is expected to have further hearings in the Senate Insurance, Commerce & Labor Committee in the coming weeks.