With the constant changes occurring on the federal level regarding health and human services (HHS) funding, many advocates, service providers, and communities are left unsure about the status of their services. It is important to level-set how Ohio may be impacted by shifts in federal funding. We have a resource to reference that provides some highlights from Community Solution’s “Mapping the Money” report released in the fall of 2024.
What is the impact of federal funding on Ohio’s health and human services sector?
Federal funding significantly supports Ohio's health and human services and contributed $2.2 billion outside the state budgeting process in FY 2023. This funding is channeled through 11 federal entities, including Medicaid, the CDC, and NIH. Approximately $0.62 of every dollar invested in health and human services in Ohio originated with the federal government.
While federal dollars are the largest investment source, and can fund a wide variety of services, the funding has little to no flexibility as federal dollars are for a specific purpose or program and carries substantial reporting requirements.
Whether the funding goes through the state appropriations process or directly to recipients, federal funding is not a flexible source. Federal funding must be used how the federal government dictates, which is why guidance and directives from the federal government would be so impactful across the state. The next largest funding source for health and human service activities is the State of Ohio, which accounts for $0.21 of every dollar.
The federal government, and to a certain extent the state government as well, have the deepest pockets, yet provide inflexible funding that is restrictive in how it can be spent.
Total health and human services funding in Ohio
Ohio saw $29.9 billion invested in health and human service activities across the four discrete funding sources: federal, state, county levy, and philanthropic. The three counties that received the highest investment were the three most populous counties in Ohio: Franklin, Cuyahoga, and Hamilton counties.
- Franklin County had over $5.0 billion in health and human service activities
- Cuyahoga County had $4.3 billion
- Hamilton County had $2.9 billion
The three counties that received the small investment in these activities are not the three least populous counties but include some of Ohio’s least populous counties.
- Noble County recorded $27.5 million
- Monroe County had $27.0 million
- Paulding County had $20.3 million
Federal health and human services investments in Ohio
Total federal investment for health and human service activities in Ohio was $2.2 billion in FY 2023. For FY 2023, eleven different health and human services entities that fall under the Department’s purview made investments in Ohio. This includes:
- The Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
- Administration for Community Living (ACL)
- Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)
- Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- National Institute of Health (NIH)
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
This moment is uncertain, and understanding the function and funding of the health and human services sector can help communities, nonprofits, and other agencies navigating the federal freeze to understand the amount of federal dollars flowing into Ohio. Be sure to follow Community Solutions as we continue to cover changes in policy throughout Ohio and their implications.
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