Insurers: More care coordination could save Ohio Medicaid $1.8 billion

The Ohio Association of Health Plans has put forth its plan to curb state Medicaid spending (Source: “Insurers suggest ways state can cut Medicaid costs,” Columbus Dispatch, March 2, 2011).

The trade group for the state's largest health insurance providers estimates that its plan could save nearly $1.8 billion over the next two years by providing preventive and coordinated care to some of Medicaid’s most-expensive patients: the approximately 500,000 elderly people, disabled children and other enrolled that are currently not in manager care plans.

"It's really about making sure the consumer gets the care they need early on to prevent more-costly care later," said association President Kelly McGivern.