Debate continues over Ohio Governor John Kasich’s proposed expansion of Medicaid - outlined in his state budget plan last month.  Conservatives say its big government - Democrats like increased medical coverage for the poor and disabled. As WYSO's Jerry Kenney reports, both pros and cons surrounding the expansion will affect services provided by local medical professionals and organizations.

According to Bryan Bucklew with the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association, Medicaid expansion in the state of Ohio would mean medical coverage for another 60,000 people in Montgomery County alone, and between 100 - 110 thousand people in the Association's Service area.

The latest Quinnipiac University poll shows 48 percent of Ohio voters agree with Republican Governor Kasich’s plan to expand Medicaid in the buckeye state while 42 percent oppose the idea. 

But when the poll is broken down into party affiliations, Democrats support it 71 percent to 22 percent and Independents support it 48 to 43 percent. 

But Republicans oppose the plan 65 to 24 percent.  It’s important to note that both the Ohio House and Senate are controlled by Republicans. A significant number of them in the Ohio House or Senate could thwart the plan to expand Medicaid as part of a new state budget.