(COLUMBUS- AP)- Republican Gov. John Kasich vetoed a budget provision Friday that calls for freezing new expansion enrollment starting July 1, 2018, and preventing those who drop off the program from re-enrolling.
The Kasich administration estimated 500,000 low-income adults would lose coverage within the first 18 months of the freeze.
The Republican-led Legislature supports reining in Medicaid spending as it threatens to consume Ohio's budget.
Hundreds of people rallied at the Statehouse Wednesday to defend the expansion. Protesters included health care professionals, community activists, faith leaders and consumer advocates.
House Republicans were to meet Wednesday to determine if they have the votes to proceed.
(photo courtesy Getty Images)