On August 13, Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) Director Maureen Corcoran announced that Medicaid customers will have more options when choosing a managed care health plan in the department’s new person-centered vision of care. Buckeye Health Plan (Buckeye) will join six previously announced Next Generation managed care organizations (MCO):
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio, Inc.
- Humana Health Plan of Ohio, Inc.
- Molina Healthcare of Ohio, Inc.
- AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, Inc.
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- CareSource Ohio, Inc.
Ohio Medicaid originally deferred its decision on Buckeye’s application after the Ohio attorney general filed a lawsuit against Buckeye and other entities related to Buckeye’s pharmacy benefit management structure. That lawsuit has ended in a settlement. ODM notified Buckeye of its decision to award a contract to the MCO upon completion of ODM’s review.
Ohio Medicaid’s Next Generation managed care selection will begin covering members next year. Medicaid customers will continue to receive services through the transition and will have the opportunity to select among seven MCOs in the future program.