Projections showing that Ohio could save state and federal dollars by expanding Medicaid are just one part of a fact-finding process for state lawmakers debating changes to the health program, a key Republican lawmaker said Tuesday.

An Ohio legislative panel on Monday cleared new state rules for professionals guiding people through the insurance marketplaces created by the federal health care law, despite concerns from some consumer groups that the regulations create confusion.

The state took another step Wednesday toward replacing an outdated computer system that's known for rejecting eligible people from the Medicaid program and accepting others who don't meet the criteria.

Health insurance rates in Ohio will rise an average of 18 percent for small businesses and 41 percent for individuals participating in the new marketplaces created by the federal health care law, state insurance officials said Thursday.

A shortage of primary care physicians is expected to worsen as millions of newly insured Americans gain coverage under the PPACA.

Eighteen states have decided to turn their state Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan programs over to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Federal and Ohio officials couldn't agree on spending for a state-run stopgap health insurance plan that covers Ohioans who can't get coverage elsewhere, so the U.S. government will take it over, state officials said Tuesday.

Ohio employers could see $1 billion in cash rebates this summer from the state insurance fund for injured workers.