Ohio Association of Health Plans

It isn’t getting any easier to keep health care affordable, but our work is more important every year. The latest? The PwC Health Research Institute estimates that commercial healthcare costs will rise by a whopping 8% in 2025, to the highest level seen in 13 years. Key drivers include inflation, high-priced prescription drugs and more Americans seeking behavioral health care. We need to move every lever we can to ease the cost of high-quality care. https://lnkd.in/e6sdmmz

The 2024 OAHP Annual Convention & Trade Show is about top-notch education and networking, but we also have a BLAST after hours bowling at Star Lanes Polaris! Thanks a million to the sponsors who are making it possible again this year: United Concordia Dental, “Perfect Game” level; “Kingpin” sponsors Gravity Diagnostics, MacroHealth and Podimetrics; and “The Strike” level sponsors Goodroot, Interwell Health, Intra-Cellular Therapies, Pomelo Care and Walker Healthforce. You won’t want to miss it — register below to join us Sept. 10-11 at Hilton Columbus Polaris! https://lnkd.in/eKK6BE9C

The 2024 OAHP Annual Convention & Trade Show is almost here, and we can’t wait for two solid days of education, networking and a bit of fun, all designed to improve healthcare quality and access in Ohio. Register at the link below to join us Sept. 10-11 at the Hilton Columbus Polaris, and make sure to check out all of our Silver Level sponsors while you’re there. A giant thank-you to Alivi, Archangel, Avēsis, BillionToOne, Carelon Behavioral Health, Certify, Lighthouse Behavioral Health Solutions, Merck, Optum, Shield HealthCare - Medical Supplies for Care at Home Since 1957, Sprinter Health, Verrica Pharmaceuticals and Zyter|TruCare. They help make it all possible! https://lnkd.in/eKK6BE9C

Per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, August is National Immunization Month. We wish we had better news to celebrate, but the World Health Organization and UNICEF are reporting that childhood immunization levels remain remain below pre-pandemic levels leading to outbreaks of measles and other preventable diseases around the world. The problem is worst in the developing world, where conflict and natural disasters hamper vaccination efforts. But even here in the U.S., support for vaccination mandates in public schools is lower than it was before the pandemic. Immunization is among the most successful public health interventions; we can’t afford to slack off. https://lnkd.in/eqaUnhAx

Soda Health is addressing the social drivers of health — and reducing health inequity in the process — with SmartHealth, a benefits platform that personalizes engagement and makes it easier for plan members to access the care and goods that can keep them healthy. As Presenting Sponsor for the 2024 OAHP Annual Convention & Trade Show, Soda is helping us offer two days packed with education, networking and fun. Register at the link below to join us, Sept. 10-11 at the Hilton Columbus Polaris, and while you’re there, check out Soda Health! https://lnkd.in/eKK6BE9C

Ohio Medicaid, through OAHP member Medicaid managed care programs, covers more births in Ohio than any other insurer, so it’s great news for Ohio families that Medicaid soon will begin covering doula services — up to $1,200 per birth! Doulas provide invaluable support, education and advocacy for pregnant people. At the link below, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Virginia Scott,MSN,BS,RN-BC, director of care coordination, speaks with WFMJ, Channel 21 in Youngstown about what it means for healthier moms and babies. https://lnkd.in/eiX3rE4F

Ohio made the right move when it accepted Medicaid expansion in 2014, extending healthcare coverage to hundreds of thousands who otherwise would have fallen into the “coverage gap” between Medicaid eligibility and Affordable Care Act subsidies. For proof, look to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: In the 10 states that didn’t expand Medicaid, nearly all of the people who lack coverage — 1.6 million out of 1.8 million — fall into the coverage gap, and most are people of color. We’re grateful for the work our member plans can do through partnership with the Ohio Department of Medicaid. https://lnkd.in/gJFVBpuB

Only four weeks ‘till the 2024 OAHP Annual Convention & Trade Show and this year’s lineup will NOT disappoint: Smart sessions on what’s happening in our industry, plus unbeatable networking opportunities, a media panel with leading Ohio reporters, a fun special event and the Pinnacle Awards recognizing the best in healthcare innovation in Ohio. Register at the link below to join us, Sept. 10-11 at the Hilton Columbus Polaris. Hope to see you there! https://lnkd.in/eKK6BE9C

We’re proud to share that AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, one of our great Medicaid managed care plans, is partnering with Zest Pediatric Network to offer a value-based payment mode in northeast Ohio designed to eliminate the challenges that get in the way of children getting the wellness checks and screenings they need to stay healthy. It’s more personalized care, delivered more quickly, at no additional cost to families. Read more from AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio and CEO, Mark Grippi, below. https://lnkd.in/eGRnRuMu

We all know that hospitals and corporate entities are buying up physicians’ practices, leading to care that costs more and is less personal. Here, two primary care physicians discuss a potential solution: collaborative primary care networks, allowing the efficiencies of consolidation without sacrificing autonomy. Read more in MedCity News: https://lnkd.in/ggv5RADg