Policy developments didn’t take a holiday break. As we all continue to catch up with emails and news, here is a roundup of things you may have missed over the last few weeks.
1. Local leaders begin new terms in office:
Several new and incumbent policymakers were sworn in to their terms beginning in 2026 both on Cleveland City Council and Cuyahoga County Council. Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb was also sworn in to his second term and, with it, launched a free Substack to keep constituents updated.
2. Medicaid work requirements website
Last fall, the Ohio Department of Medicaid hosted webinars to inform on the upcoming work requirements for the Medicaid expansion population, otherwise known as Group VIII. The webinar previewed a resource website to provide updates and information as the policy rolls out. That website launched in late December 2025 and includes information about the work requirement, qualifying activities, exemptions to the requirement, and tracking compliance.
Ohio is set to receive over $200 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program.
3. Rural health award announcement
On December 29, 2025, Governor Mike DeWine announced that Ohio is set to receive over $200 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program authorized in H.R.1 earlier in 2025. More information about Ohio’s plan, award, and how to further engage with the program can be found at Ohio Department of health and at Health Policy Institute of Ohio.
4. Senator Husted introduces legislation aimed at reducing the benefits cliff
Ohio Senator Jon Husted introduced legislation aimed at reducing the benefits cliff in federally funded anti-poverty/safety net programs. Community Solutions will explore this proposed legislation in depth in the days/weeks ahead, as it relates to many of the programs that we have conducted considerable research on. Sen. Husted paired the introduction of this bill with an op-ed in The Hill. And Governor DeWine shared on social media that he commends Sen. Husted’s bill and is eager for Ohio to be involved as a pilot state.
5. Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025
Congress did not come to an agreement before the end of 2025 to renew the enhanced premium tax credits that support people who obtain their health insurance through the ACA marketplace. This resulted in across the board increases to premiums felt directly by enrollees. Congress continues to debate if and how it will extend these enhanced credits. In the meantime, the effects of increased premiums, foregoing coverage altogether or making difficult choices in household budgets, will begin to be felt this month.
