Important Announcement from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) regarding the Ohio Health Plans Managed Care Program

ODJFS has recently learned that Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Partnership Plan, Inc. (Anthem) and WellCare Of Ohio, Inc. (WellCare) will not renew their contracts to provide Medicaid managed care benefits to Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) consumers. ODJFS has assured the AMCNO that all Ohio ABD consumers will continue to have choices.

ABD managed care members in the Northeast and Northwest regions will be provided an opportunity to select from either the remaining managed care plan (Buckeye Community Health Plan in the Northeast and CareSource in the Northwest) or fee-for-service Medicaid. Those who do not respond to the mailed opportunity to make a selection will be automatically assigned to fee-for-service Medicaid. Additionally, those currently enrolled with Buckeye or CareSource will be allowed to choose between staying with their existing plan or may return to fee-for-service Medicaid.

Over the next month, ODJFS will provide written notice to all affected members. All enrollment changes will take effect by September 1, 2008.
Please note that this change does not affect the Covered Families and Children managed care members. In addition, Anthem and WellCare will be notifying their provider networks of this change. Providers who have outstanding claims for services can bill for dates of service prior to September 1, 2008, according to their existing contracts.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the Bureau of Managed Health Care at 614-466-4693 or by email at mailto:bmhc@jfs.ohio.gov.