Ohio Senate pushes for another re-bid of Medicaid managed care contracts

After a more-than-two-year effort to overhaul Ohio's Medicaid managed care system, state senators are asking for what could amount to a redo of the whole thing (Source: “Ohio announced huge contracts for companies to handle Medicaid managed care. Lawmakers want a redo,” Columbus Dispatch, June 3).

The state in April had chosen six companies to handle Medicaid for most Ohio enrollees. But at least two of the companies who lost out on contracts filed complaints against the Ohio Department of Medicaid.

Those complaints have turned into legislative action.

Senate Republicans on Tuesday inserted language into the state budget bill requiring the state to complete a new procurement process, with the stipulation that new contracts with Medicaid managed care organizations must include those based in Ohio.