from the OACBHA e-newsletter
On the one year anniversary of Governor Kasich creating the Office of Health Transformation, the office has launched a new website. The website can be used as a way to stay informed on efforts to modernize Medicaid, streamline health and human services, and improve overall health system performance. One of the new features on the website is a recently released concept paper for the approximately 190,000 Ohioans who are covered by both Medicare (because they are over age 65 or disabled) and Medicaid (because they have low income). Because Medicaid and Medicare are designed and managed with almost no connection to one another, the long-term care services, behavioral health services and physical health services that are provided to individuals who are eligible for both programs are poorly coordinated. While dual-eligible individuals make up only 14 percent of total Ohio Medicaid enrollment, they account for 46 percent of Medicaid long-term care service spending and 16 percent of behavioral health service spending.  Congress has encouraged states to integrate physical, behavioral, and long-term care services into a seamless and comprehensive care experience for Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries. The state budget bill (HB 153) authorized Ohio Medicaid to seek federal approval to design and implement a Medicare/Medicaid Integrated Care Delivery System (ICDS). Ohio's development of the ICDS is a work in progress. Regional consumer feedback sessions will occur late January and early February.