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Health Plans CEO Says They're Ready For Behavioral Health Medicaid Change, Even If Providers Aren't

Karen Kasler
Miranda Motter is the president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Health Plans.

In a little over two weeks, mental health and addiction services for low income Ohioans will be moved into Medicaid managed care. But many behavioral health and family services providers say this huge change is straining their finances. But the group that represents Ohio’s health insurers says the move can’t be delayed.

Ohio Association of Health Plans President and CEO Miranda Motter said the July 1 massive overhaul in how providers will bill for services has been coming for two years. And she said health insurers and the state have set up contingency plans for providers who, in her words, haven’t planned adequately. “I do think that there are some providers that are hoping that this will get delayed. And that is concerning. There has been a lot of work, and ultimately, this is about the patient that deserves, that needs integrated care,” said Motter said.

Just over half of behavioral health and family services providers recently surveyed said they have less than two months’ worth of cash to operate. Republican Sen. Dave Burke has said cash advances are a possibility.

Contact Karen at 614-578-6375 or at kkasler@statehousenews.org.
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