COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio could cut health care costs by making it more attractive for private companies to insure their employees.

It's one of the ideas being looked at by Ohio Gov. Strickland and his administration.

Strickland said the health care problem is growing and requires a wider search for solutions.

A plan being pushed by lobbyists at the Statehouse would allow small employers and self-employed people easier access to coverage for employees and themselves.

On Tuesday, Strickland told a group of health care leaders gathered at Ohio State University that he also wants the state to take better advantage of federal health care money so more people can become eligible for Medicaid coverage for the poor.