Executive Orders Issue to Grant Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to Implement Changes

Following the budget signing, Governor Kasich has issued executive orders authorizing the Department of Job and Family Services to establish rules. First among the orders is to have ODJFS revise rules that require the 5% inpatient hospital rate increase to continue through June 30, 2013. The rate increase put in place in October 2009 was set to expire June 30, 2011. Another order allows the agency to implement cost-saving measures established in the budget that lower the income level for initial eligibility for child care benefits to meet the 2011 federal poverty levels. Also signed was an order for ODJFS to reduce the reimbursement rates for services through PASSPORT, Choices and assisted living waiver programs and to modify reimbursements to providers serving more than one consumer at the same time - it would additionally allow for ODJFS to pay PACE providers.