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Date: January 17, 1995
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Contact:  Anne Verano (202) 690-6145

Ohio Health Reform Plan Approved

HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today announced approval of Ohio's statewide demonstration project, OhioCare, which will increase access to health care coverage for the state's Medicaid and uninsured populations.

OhioCare will expand Medicaid coverage to include the uninsured population with incomes at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level, while continuing to provide medical coverage to all currently eligible groups. By expanding coverage, Ohio expects to enroll as many as 500,000 additional recipients.

OhioCare is a five-year demonstration project that is expected to be implemented one year after approval.

Secretary Shalala praised Ohio's state health care reform program, and stated that "OhioCare is an innovative program that will provide health care to our neediest citizens."

According to Bruce C. Vladeck, administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration, "This plan is an example of the administration's commitment to providing states the flexibility they need to design health care systems which improve access and quality of care for their citizens."

Ohio will offer a comprehensive basic benefit package to all OhioCare participants, comparable to the present Medicaid program. The basic benefit package will be provided through fully capitated managed care plans that contract with the state on a county-by-county basis. Managed care will also be used for special health related services currently administered by state agencies, including the departments of Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.

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