Proponents of the still-new national health care law say the old Medicare and Medicaid programs are proof government can get it right in helping tens of millions of people with medical treatment.
But when the two programs overlap, money is wasted and some patients don't get good care, Ohio officials say.
About 190,000 people in Ohio are served by both programs - Medicaid, which primarily serves the poor, and Medicare, aimed at the elderly and disabled. The independently run programs don't coordinate some types of care, such as long-term, behavioral and physical health services. That can result in unnecessary cost and inadequate care.
Gov. John Kasich's office is proposing the system be changed. Instead of having to deal with two separate programs, people served by Medicaid and Medicare should have one "point of contact," it is being suggested.
The idea is so logical one wonders why no one thought of it before.
Unfortunately, federal officials have to approve the plan before it can be used in Ohio. They should do so immediately. Then, other states should consider using the Buckeye State as a model.
