Ohio Job and Family Services:  Distribution of Ohio Health Plan Program Information

     In a recent letter sent to all Ohio Health Plan Providers (except Long Term Care) and all Health Plan Provider Associations from the Ohio Job & Family Services director, Thomas J. Hayes, outlines plans for distribution of Ohio Health Plan Program Information.  A paper transmittal reduction plan (PTR) was developed to help reduce the number of paper transmittals and their attachments.  The PTR plan will go into effect on July 1, 2003 (transition into the plan is between now and June 30th, 2003). 

     Two options are available to providers:

* Option 1, Standard Distribution: This option is for providers who have Internet access and is the most efficient method of distribution.  Providers will receive e-mail notification of program updates during the week that they are published.  The e-mail will include links to the electronic manuals and to the Legal/Policy Central Calendar.  The Legal/policy Central Calendar provides a daily list of handbook and /or transmittal letter issuances with links to the electronic manual site and to printer-friendly (Acrobat) versions of the documents.  Visit the electronic manuals site:  http://dynaweb.odjfs.state.oh.us:6336/dynaweb/medicaid/  Visit the Legal/Policy Central Calendar at:  http://www.state.oh.us/odjfs/lpc/calendar/

* Option 2, Paper Distribution: This is the current system used for paper distributions and is for providers who do not have Internet Access.  Providers will receive paper notices, i.e. MALs, HHTLs, MHTLs, CSTLs, of program updates limited to a summary of the changes to rules, handbooks and/or policies without attachments.  Paper notices will normally be received with 10-15 business days of the director's signature. Providers wanting the complete program update (paper notice with attachments) will have to request that information using the JFS 03400 form.

* In addition to the above options providers may elect to receive a courtesy copy of the ODJFS Electronic Manuals CD-ROM.  This supplement is distributed quarterly and contains complete, consolidated handbooks and forms for all OHP programs. 

Please contact Jobs & Family Services for further information regarding these options and how to apply for them. Jobs & Family Services by phone, contact Lisa Bynum at 614-728-7305, e-mail to Lisa Bynum at bynuml@odjfs.state.oh.us or Web site at www.odjfs.state.oh.us .