Ohio seeks to overhaul Medicaid eligibility system

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio is closer to replacing an outdated system that's known for rejecting eligible people from the Medicaid program.

Officials said Wednesday the state will contract with Accenture LLC  for a new system that will help determine eligibility for programs across Ohio's health and human services agencies.

The announcement comes as the governor says he plans to expand the federal-state Medicaid program to cover more low-income people.

Gov. John Kasich's proposed budget includes $230 million for the technology upgrade, though the federal government expected to reimburse the state for most of the cost.

The administration estimates that 60 percent of the old system's eligibility determinations are inaccurate and must be manually overridden to prevent applicants from being denied coverage.

The new system will allow people to apply online for Medicaid.