Press Releases

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Administration Announces Regulations Requiring New Health Insurance Plans to Provide Free Preventive Care - HHS Press Office

 

 The following is a statement from Cathy Levine and Col Owens, Co-Chairs of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC):  

Health Insurance Relief for Ohio’s Young Adults
New State Law Makes Health Insurance Available to Adult Children up to Age 28Columbus, OH—Beginning tomorrow, a new state law will allow unmarried adult children up to the age of 28 to remain on their parents’ health insurance policies. Ohio’s young adults are more likely to be uninsured compared to other age groups. More than one in five Ohioans ages 18 to 34 do not have health insurance.(read more)

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, March 21, 2010

 

The following is a statement from Cathy Levine and Col Owens, Co-Chairs of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC), regarding the House vote in support of health care reform. (read more) 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, March 15, 2010

 

The following is a statement from Cathy Levine and Col Owens, Co-Chairs of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC), on the release of the Robert Wood Johnson Report, The Cost of Failure to Enact Health Reform: 2010 – 2020, and Cover the Uninsured Week (read more).

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, February 18, 2010

 

 

 

Ohio Faces Huge Medicaid Cuts If Congress Fails To Extend Enhanced Federal Funding
32 Ohio Organizations Tell Ohio’s Delegation that Extending Enhanced Federal Medicaid Matching Funds for States Would Also Spur Economic Activity While Protecting and Creating Jobs
COLUMBUS .—An extension of increased federal matching funds to states for their Medicaid programs is needed quickly to avert huge cutbacks in Medicaid coverage and services in Ohio and boost jobs and business activity, according (read more)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, January 27, 2010

State of the Union: President Renews Commitment to Finish Health Care Reform
Washington D.C. Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage applauds President Obama for standing firm on his commitment to see comprehensive health care reform through to the finish. After days of speculation about what he would say, the President stated that he will not walk away from health care reform. (read more)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, January 22, 2010

Ohio's Economy and Families Need Comprehensive Health Care Reform Now!
Containing Health Care Costs Will Stimulate Job Creation and Increase Coverage

Cleveland, OH-Today, as President Obama delivers a jobs message to residents in Elyria and Cleveland, Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage urges the President and Congress to continue on the path of passing comprehensive health care reform, with the emphasis on comprehensive. The result will be healthier citizens and a healthier (read more)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, January 20, 2010

The following is a statement from Cathy Levine and Col Owens, Co-Chairs of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC), on the future of federal health care reform with the election of Republican Scott Brown to fill the Senate seat of the late Senator Ted Kennedy.
"The last thing Ohioans need is for the Massachusetts vote to derail health care reform.  We have consistently advocated for a bi-partisan solution to the health care crisis and continue to call on Republicans to join with the Democrats to (read more)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, December 24, 2009

"We applaud the Senate for its historic vote to extend access to health care to most Americans.  The passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a true gift to Ohioans. (read more)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Senate Health Care Plan Will Dramatically Increase Coverage for Ohioans - Fate of Health Care Reform and the Health of Ohioans in the Hands of the Senate

The following is a statement from Cathy Levine and Col Owens, Co-Chairs of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC), regarding the passage of health care reform legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. (read more)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Health Care Reform Will Help Small Business
New Study Shows that Without Change, Premiums Will Continue to Skyrocket
Columbus, OH-New research released by the Small Business Majority shows that Ohio's small businesses will benefit from health care reform by relieving them from rising and unpredictable health insurance rates. All five proposals currently before Congress include...(read more)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, October 12, 2009

Consumer advocates and members of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage will gather at the Statehouse in support of affordable health care for all. Following the Statehouse gathering, more than 40 advocates will parade... (read more)

Economic Downturn Hits Ohio Families with a 'One-Two Punch', Costing 158,300 More Ohioans Both Their Jobs and Their Health Insurance
Families USA Report Shows Thousands of  Ohioans Lost Their Health Coverage Due to the Loss of Jobs

Columbus OH-A new report from Families USA, the national organization for health care consumers, estimates that 158,300 Ohioans lost health coverage in 2009 alone as a result of increases in the number of unemployed workers. (read more...)

HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS ROSE 7.2 TIMES FASTER THAN EARNINGS IN OHIO FROM 2000 THROUGH 2009
Ohio-Specific Report Finds that Premiums Rose by 84.1 Percent, While Earnings Rose by Only 11.7 Percent

Columbus OH--Family health care premiums rose an estimated 7.2 times faster than earnings for Ohio's workers from 2000 through 2009, according to a report issued today by the national consumer health organization Families USA. In that 10-year period, (click here for full statement)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, September 10, 2009

The following is a statement from Cathy Levine and Col Owens, Co-Chairs of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC), regarding the release of New Census Estimates of Uninsured in Ohio.

"Following a historic presidential address to a joint session of Congress on health care reform, the federal government announced today that the number of Americans living without health insurance has increased, leaving more than 46.3 million people in the U.S. without any health coverage. The uninsured are less likely (click here for full statement)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

A statement from Cathy Levine and Col Owens, Co-Chairs of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC), regarding President Obama's address on Health Care Reform to the Joint Session of Congress: ...(click here for full statement)

1,180 Ohioans Are Losing Their Health Coverage Every Week
Steady Rise of Health Care Costs Drives More Working Families out of the Market

Columbus, OH-Rising like a deadly tide, escalating health care costs will have caused 184,730 Ohioans to lose their health coverage between January 2008 and December 2010. In that same period, the number of Americans without health coverage is expected (click here to read full release)  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The following is a statement from Cathy Levine and Col Owens, Co-Chairs of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC), regarding passage of House Bill 1: (click for full story)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The following is a statement from Cathy Levine and Col Owens, Co-Chairs of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC), in response to ongoing budget deliberations: (click here for full story)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Cost of Insurance for Ohioans with Pre-existing Conditions Tops Average Household Income
Open Enrollment Program Fails to Protect Ohioans with Pre-existing Conditions

Columbus, OH -Consumer advocates gathered at the statehouse today to protest the high cost of health insurance for Ohioans with pre-existing conditions. While unveiling mock public notices highlighting actual health insurance...(Click here for full story)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, May 29, 2009

The following is a statement from Cathy Levine and Col Owens, Co-Chairs of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC), in response to the Senate Finance Committee substitute version of the budget. (click here for full story)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, May 28, 2009

Ohio Families Fall Victim of 'Hidden Health Tax' For Health Care Coverage
Families USA Report Reveals Ohio Families Pay an Average of $1,017 for the Uncompensated Health Care Costs of the Uninsured, A Figure That is Likely to Grow

Columbus, OH-A report released today by the consumer health organization Families USA reveals that Ohioans paid an average of...(click here for full story)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, May 21, 2009

Businesses And Middle Class Hit Hardest If We Don't Fix It Now!
New report predicts doubling of health care costs for businesses and millions more uninsured Americans within 10 years

Columbus, OH - As Ohio's Senate reviews changes to Ohio's insurance laws contained in House Bill 1 and key U.S. Congressional committees prepare to introduce landmark health reform legislation, a new Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) report projects that if health care reform is not enacted this year, the cost of health care for businesses could double...(click here for full story)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, April 30, 2009

The following is a statement from Cathy Levine and Col Owens, Co-Chairs of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC), in response to the House-passed version of the budget. (click here for the full story)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, March 16, 2009

Ohio's Health Care System In Crisis
New Study Reveals Number of Uninsured in Epidemic Proportion

Columbus OH-A new survey released today shows that the number of Ohio uninsured working aged adults 18-64 increased by 165,000, from 15% in 2004 to 17% of the population in 2008. The 2008 Family Health Survey attributes the increase in the uninsured rate to the decline in employer-based insurance which has fallen from 63.5% in 2004 to 61.7% in 2008.
The rise in the number of uninsured adults was expected, because people are losing both jobs and job-based health insurance. "The rise in Ohio's uninsured shows the urgency for our state and federal elected officials to enact real health care reform," stated Cathy Levine, Co-Chair Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage. "Ohioans need jobs and they need health coverage. We can't fix the economy without fixing health care."

Defiance County's rate of uninsured working aged adults....
For full news release click here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, March 16, 2009

Ohio's Health Care System In Crisis - New Study Reveals Number of Uninsured in Epidemic Proportion
Columbus OH-A new survey released today shows that the number of Ohio uninsured working aged adults 18-64 increased by 165,000, from 15% in 2004 to 17% of the population in 2008. The 2008 Family Health Survey attributes the increase in the uninsured rate to the decline in employer-based insurance which has fallen from 63.5% in 2004 to 61.7% in 2008. The rise in the number of uninsured adults was expected, because people are losing both jobs and job-based health insurance. "The rise in Ohio's uninsured shows the urgency for our state and federal elected officials to enact real health care reform," stated Cathy Levine, Co-Chair Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage. "Ohioans need jobs and they need health coverage. We can't fix the economy without fixing health care."

Allen County's rate of uninsured working...
For full news release click here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, March 16, 2009 

Ohio's Health Care System In Crisis - New Study Reveals Number of Uninsured in Epidemic Proportion

Columbus OH-A new survey released today shows that the number of Ohio uninsured working aged adults 18-64 increased by 165,000, from 15% in 2004 to 17% of the population in 2008. The 2008 Family Health Survey attributes the increase in the uninsured rate to the decline in employer-based insurance which has fallen from 63.5% in 2004 to 61.7% in 2008.
The rise in the number of uninsured adults was expected, because people are losing both jobs and job-based health insurance. "The rise in Ohio's uninsured shows the urgency for our state and federal elected officials to enact real health care reform," stated Cathy Levine, Co-Chair Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage. "Ohioans need jobs and they need health coverage. We can't fix the economy without fixing health care."

Lucas County's rate of uninsured working aged adults is above...
For full news release click here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, March 16, 2009

Ohio's Health Care System In Crisis - New Study Reveals Number of Uninsured in Epidemic Proportion

Columbus OH-A new survey released today shows that the number of Ohio uninsured working aged adults 18-64 increased by 165,000, from 15% in 2004 to 17% of the population in 2008. The 2008 Family Health Survey attributes the increase in the uninsured rate to the decline in employer-based insurance which has fallen from 63.5% in 2004 to 61.7% in 2008. The rise in the number of uninsured adults was expected, because people are losing both jobs and job-based health insurance. "The rise in Ohio's uninsured shows the urgency for our state and federal elected officials to enact real health care reform," stated Cathy
Levine, Co-Chair Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage. "Ohioans need jobs and they need health coverage. We can't fix the economy without fixing health care."

Stark County's rate of uninsured working aged adults is 15.4%. The number of....
For full news release click here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, March 16, 2009

Ohio's Health Care System In Crisis
New Study Reveals Number of Uninsured in Epidemic Proportion
Columbus OH-A new survey released today shows that the number of Ohio uninsured working aged adults 18-64 increased by 165,000, from 15% in 2004 to 17% of the population in 2008. The 2008 Family Health Survey attributes the increase in the uninsured rate to the decline in employer-based insurance which has fallen from 63.5% in 2004 to 61.7% in 2008.

The rise in the number of uninsured adults was expected, because people are losing both jobs and job-based health insurance. "The rise in Ohio's uninsured shows the urgency for our state and federal elected officials to enact real health care reform," stated Cathy Levine, Co-Chair Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage. "Ohioans need jobs and they need health coverage. We can't fix the economy without fixing health care."

Richland County's rate of uninsured working aged adults is....
For full news release click here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 16, 2009

Ohio's Health Care System In Crisis
New Study Reveals Number of Uninsured in Epidemic Proportion
Columbus OH-A new survey released today shows that the number of Ohio uninsured working aged adults 18-64 increased by 165,000, from 15% in 2004 to 17% of the population in 2008. The 2008 Family Health Survey attributes the increase in the uninsured rate to the  decline in employer-based insurance which has fallen from 63.5% in 2004 to 61.7% in 2008.

The rise in the number of uninsured adults was expected, because people are losing both jobs and job-based health insurance. "The rise in Ohio's uninsured shows the urgency for our state and federal elected officials to enact real health care reform," stated Cathy Levine, Co-Chair Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage. "Ohioans need jobs and they need health coverage. We can't fix the economy without fixing health care."

While still alarmingly high, the greater Cincinnati area's numbers are better...

click here for full story

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Health Care Crisis is Getting Worse and Ohioans Cannot Wait Any Longer For Relief
Agriculture and Development Subcommittee Hears Health Care Consumer Testimony
Columbus OH-In testimony before the House Finance, Agriculture and Development Subcommittee today, Cathy Levine, Co-chair of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage, told lawmakers that in order to fix the economy we need to address health care reform.
For full news release click here

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 6, 2009

Consumer Health Care Advocates Welcome President, Ask Him to Keep Up the Good Work and Fix Health Care Now!

Columbus OH-Consumer health care advocates armed themselves with tools in their quest to make health care affordable and available to all. Wearing construction hats, carrying hammers, and raising construction...(Click here for the full story)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 24, 2009

THE INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE RELEASES NEW REPORT ON CONSEQUENCES OF NOT HAVING HEALTH INSURANCE

Columbus, OH-The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a study today on the consequences of not having health insurances and found that what has been a bad situation for many years has only gotten worse. The number of people getting health insurance...(click here for full story)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Saturday, November 7, 2009 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, October 7, 2009

The following is a statement from Cathy Levine and Col Owens, Co-Chairs of Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC), regarding the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in the U.S. Senate.

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, April 1, 2010

The following is a statement from Cathy Levine, Executive Director of UHCAN Ohio and Col Owens, Senior Attorney with Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio regarding Attorney General Richard Cordray’s certification of the Ohio Liberty Council’s ballot initiative. (read more)