NewsNow - 11.17.2022

Nov. 17, 2022

>>> Important Update on Next Generation Ohio Medicaid Launch

Over the past year, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) has prepared for and successfully launched many components of the Next Generation Ohio Medicaid program. The implementation has consistently followed two of ODM’s key Next Generation commitments – to focus on the individual and improve the provider experience. To meet these commitments, on July 1, ODM implemented OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) and on Oct. 1, ODM implemented the Single Pharmacy Benefit Manager (SPBM) and Centralized Credentialing for providers. The feedback has been clear about the significant benefits members and providers have experienced because of these new program changes.

ODM’s focus has been and continues to be on implementing new components and improvements as they are fully ready to support achieving ODM’s mission. ODM remains committed to listening to members, providers and managed care plan partners, and has taken a hands-on approach to resolving implementation issues that have been experienced by providers. Leading up to the next implementation, ODM has been actively seeking input from stakeholders and conducting testing of all systems.

What does this mean for providers?

Based on the feedback ODM has received and the department’s commitment to carefully transitioning, ODM will not implement the new Next Generation managed care plans and the full Ohio Medicaid Enterprise System (OMES) launch on Dec. 1. The new lineup for implementation is as follows:

On Feb. 1, 2023, ODM will launch the Next Generation managed care plans and program requirements, including exciting improvements that will support members in accessing the healthcare services and supports they need. ODM will also implement the new Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), increasing transparency and visibility of member care and services.
Subsequently, ODM will fully launch OMES modules to provide streamlined processes for claims, prior authorizations, and other administrative tasks for providers.

Providers should continue conducting business as you do today on and after Dec. 1 – including the processes, procedures and systems used today to submit claims, prior authorizations and complete other administrative functions. ODM will provide more information about the upcoming implementation for members and providers in the coming weeks. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of the Next Generation Ohio Medicaid program. Please reach out to the Next Generation mailbox with questions.

>>> RFP: Health Equity Curriculum for Public Health Professionals

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Office of Health Opportunity (OHO) is committed to finding solutions to counteract disparities in health outcomes for all Ohioans by advancing health equity across and within sectors to establish Ohio as a model for justice, equity, and opportunity. OHO is seeking a partner to help develop web-based learning opportunities for public health professionals. The selected vendor will provide on-demand interactive training modules to support staff and leadership at the ODH, local health departments (LHDs) and local boards of Alcohol Drug and Mental Health Services (ADAMH) in their efforts to establish equity as a pillar of public health and elevate and address the social determinants of health.

>>> International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day and Athens County Survivor Day – Nov. 19

November 19 is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. The Athens County Suicide Prevention Coalition will host the 4th Annual Athens County Survivor Day from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Athens Community Center. Participants will receive Survivor Care Packages (while supplies last), “In Memory Of” signs and photos, learn self-soothing techniques, create remembrance quilt squares, and participate in a growth after loss activity. For more information, please email ahvsuicidepreventioncoalition@gmail.com.

>>> Addressing the Needs of an Aging Population through Health Professions Education: A Workshop Series

Aging individuals represent a spectrum of health longevity to multiple co-morbidities. The National Academies’ Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professionals Education will host a public workshop series on Dec. 7-8 to explore the varied needs of an aging population and what a health workforce that could match those identified population needs might look like, particularly the size of the workforce and what skills they could have. Discussion will explore who will make up the health workforce, training requirements for each level of care provider, who will provide the training and education, and in what setting the training will take place.

>>> Star Behavioral Health Providers Tier 1: Intro to Military Culture and Deployment Training – Jan. 31, 2023

Star Behavioral Health Providers (SBHP) will host a Tier 1: Introduction to Military Culture and Deployment training on Jan. 31 from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. This virtual training provides an introduction to military culture, information about the deployment cycle, and the effect of the deployment cycle on service members and their families. This course is recommended for those who are looking to become more familiarized with the unique characteristics of military culture. Click the link for more information and to register. Questions? Please email Brei Miller at Brei.Miller@osumc.edu. SBHP is a collaborative project of the Ohio National Guard, Ohio Department of Veterans Services, OhioMHAS, The Ohio State University, American Red Cross, OhioCares, the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, and the Center for Deployment Psychology.

>>> Developing Competency in Mental Health Treatment for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals

The Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center, with support from OhioMHAS and the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, has announced 2023 training dates for its free, two-part Developing Competency in Mental Health Treatment for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals. This Zoom-based training will be offered on the following dates: Part 1 | Jan. 13, Feb. 6, March 6, April 3, and May 22, and Part 2 | Feb. 27, May 22, and June 2. This training equips Ohio clinicians with knowledge and insight into the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community, a cultural and linguistic minority with very limited access to mental health care. As mental health professionals increase their awareness of the differences between deaf and hearing people and learn to adapt their treatment approaches, they will become more skilled in treating deaf patients who suffer from mental illness and substance use disorder. Most importantly, participants will learn how to effectively work with a sign language interpreter in their work. 6.5 CEUs will be provided to: psychologists, school psychologists, social workers, clinical counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Click HERE for more information and to register.

>>> Self-Paced Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR) Courses

The Zero Suicide Institute has teamed up with Psychwire to offer a new way for healthcare professionals to become trained in Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR). AMSR Courses are a self-paced, online adaptation of AMSR curricula. By registering for a course, you'll be part of a learning cohort that starts and ends together. How you structure your learning time during the eight-hour, four-week course is entirely up to you. The course includes access to a learning forum moderated by an AMSR Master Trainer. Once completed, you’ll be able to review the course for an additional four weeks. Click the link to register for the AMSR-Outpatient cohort starting Dec. 15 and AMSR-Inpatient cohort starting Jan. 9, 2023.

>>> Illiteracy & Incarceration: How FFT Can Help Infographic

November is National Family Literacy Month. The connection between illiteracy and incarceration is alarming and sadly not commonly talked about. Education is one strategy proven to help teens stay out of trouble. View this Illiteracy & Incarceration infographic from Functional Family Therapy (FFT), LLC, to learn more about how FFT works with families and schools.

In the News

11.17.22 | Hamilton Journal-News YWCA of Hamilton celebrates move to new building

11.16.22 | WKRC-TV Hospital gets mental health expansion for kids, expected to be largest in country

11.16.22 | WEWS-TV New bed space for teens in crisis to open soon on Cleveland’s west side

11.16.22 | Ironton Tribune Court is certified as drug recovery docket

11.16.22 | Harvard Business Review How to respond when an employee shares a mental health challenge

11.16.22 | Richland Source RCYSUC hopes to teach the community the science behind addiction and break the stigma

11.15.22 | WEWS-TV More states adopting self-exclusion programs for those with gambling addictions

11.15.22 | Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune Mental health board director topic of Seneca County podcast

11.15.22 | Port Clinton News Mental health court gets man back on his feet

11.15.22 | Cleveland.com Walmart agrees to pay Ohio $114M as part of nationwide opioid settlement

11.15.22 | Fox News Fentanyl ‘vaccine’ may have been discovered, researchers say