What is OhioRISE?
OhioRISE (Ohio Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) is Ohio’s new approach to bring coordinated care to “multi-system youth” across Ohio. These children and youth are often served by multiple public systems due to complex behavioral health and developmental needs. This managed-care approach launched by the Ohio Department of Medicaid, in coordination with agencies across state government, will be operated through Aetna Better Health.
The Center for Community Solutions produced an overview of the program earlier this year that can be found here.
Status of OhioRISE
A last-minute threat in the state budget process that would have derailed the implementation of the new Medicaid managed care plans also posed a threat to the development and implementation of OhioRISE, which is tied into the state’s overall revamping of Medicaid contracts. This provision would have required the state to go through the process of soliciting feedback from managed care plans all over again. This provision was ultimately not included in the final budget that was signed into law at the end of June. As OhioRISE moves solidly into planning and implementation, the OhioRISE advisory Council and associated workgroups are adapting to this new phase. The advisory council is comprised of stakeholders across government, providers, parents and people with lived experience from across the state. The first phase of workgroups centered around the development of rules for how OhioRISE will operate and provided an opportunity for public comment. These rules, so far, have been released in two packages, the second of which is open for comment until September 21 and can be accessed here.
It was announced in late summer 2021 that the launch of Ohio’s new managed care plans, including OhioRISE, will be delayed from January 1, 2022 until July 1, 2022.
The next phase of workgroups under the advisory council will be focused on the implementation of OhioRISE. Meetings, held virtually thus far, are accessible to the public through the OhioRISE website and provide attendees the opportunity to give feedback on the program. Information on the advisory council, past meetings and links to future meetings, can be found here.
It was announced in late summer 2021 that the launch of Ohio’s new managed care plans, including OhioRISE, will be delayed from January 1, 2022 until July 1, 2022. This delay allows for more time for feedback and communication with providers and stakeholders across the state. The continuing public health emergency also plays a role in this extended timeline.
What’s Next?
Community Solutions, as a member of the OhioRISE advisory council and host to the Multi-System Youth Coalition, will continue to monitor and engage in activities related to OhioRISE and its implementation.
