Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has said that, by 2011, he hopes to reduce the number of uninsureds by 500,000. He also hopes to increase the number of Ohio small businesses that offer health insurance to their workers.

Generally, uninsured Ohioans:

· Live in households with a full-time employee

· Graduated high school

· Have been uninsured for more than 12 months

· Live in urban areas

When compared to insured residents, uninsured Ohioans:

· Are in poorer health

· Receive less  care

· Receive less preventive attention

· Are less productive

· Have more medical bills

· Live shorter lives

So…without bankrupting the state and unnecessarily charging Ohio’s insureds, what can be done?

Ohio health care coverage for uninsured residents must focus on prevention, continuity of care, and ease of use. Ohio’s existing public and private health care systems should be the backbone of the reform. Major health insurance companies should remain an important part of the solution…not just taken for granted.

Some  principles that reflect Governor Strickland’s goal of reducing the number of Ohio uninsureds are:

· We  must take personal responsibility for reducing health care costs, which includes taking proactive actions to keep ourselves healthy. Naturally, getting annual physicals is a start.

· Reform must be sustainable, and have a measurable impact. Obamacare may not be the answer.

· All Ohio residents, including people with serious health conditions, must have access to affordable health care.

· Ohio health care coverage should include ways that allow its residents to maintain good health, and seek medical help, if needed, as quickly as possible.

One of the best ways to encourage Ohio’s uninsureds to obtain quality and affordable health care, is to provide tax credits for a portion of the premiums, and make preventative treatment a condition to continue those tax credits.

Perhaps, by 2011, such an initiative will become a reality. But don’t hold your breath.