State delays CareSource collecting millions in cash advances
Ohio Medicaid overhauled how it pays for behavioral health benefits like addiction and mental health care when it switched to a new system starting
The switch, however, has been bumpy, and the delay in collecting back the cash advances underlines the rocky start to the program. Some behavioral health providers have complained that they are not being paid fast enough or that they are struggling with the technical changes for submitting claims.
To ease the transition, Ohio Medicaid required a couple of temporary measures, including having the private insurance plans like CareSource give cash advances to providers to help while they adjusted to the new system.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
The private plans advanced a total
The plans are now delayed from collecting back the cash advances "until confidence in claims payment is stabilized and individual providers are at a low risk for claims issues moving forward," according to a joint letter to providers by
When asked about whether it affects CareSource that the insurer can't collect that money back yet,
He said the insurer chose to expand loan options beyond what was required by the state "to support this important group of providers who play a critical role in our members' health and well-being."
He said some of the money had already been repaid and CareSource officials remain hopeful they will see the remaining payment installations begin again as soon as August.
"CareSource is committed to the successful integration of behavioral health, and we will continue to work with those providers who need additional support," Ringel said.
The state has extended the timeline to repay the cash advances several times.
The largest check the state of
"No doubt, the course corrections undertaken by the new leadership at the departments of
The redesign of how Ohio Medicaid pays for behavioral health was several years in the making as part of a broader plan to integrate behavioral health care with other types of health care.
Corcoran and Criss said in their letter sent
"We understand there are significant financial concerns, workforce shortages, and other issues--all of which can impact services to individuals and families," they wrote. "We are committed to solving these issues as quickly as possible and communicating regularly on the status of solutions and next steps to mitigate the impact."
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