Choosing an Ohio Managed Care Plan

“In Ohio, those who qualify for Medicaid are generally also automatically

approved for Medicaid Managed Care coverage.”

Zimmer Law Firm, LLC (513) 721-1513 866.799.4050 (toll free) • ZimmerLawFirm.com

In Ohio, those who qualify for Medicaid are generally also automatically approved for

Medicaid Managed Care coverage. After you’ve received Medicaid coverage, the state

will send you an information packet with a request to select between five Medicaid

Managed Care plans. If you don’t make a selection, Ohio makes it for you. It’s important

to not underestimate the importance of these plans as they can make a big difference

in the kind of care you receive and the types of services that are available to you.

This week, we take a look at those five plans, but first, let’s explore what the Managed

Care program looks like. Ohio’s Managed Care serves the same purposes as traditional

private insurance. Everything from routine check-ups, physicals, prescription plans and

more are all options for those enrolled. Each of the five plans vary and while those

variations aren’t necessarily wide, the details are where many ultimately find the best

option for their care.

Buckeye Community Health Plan

One of the best features with this plan is the access members are given to the Krames

Patient Education database. This resource provides accurate and current information

on a number of medical topics. It has an easy to use search engine and it’s written in

language that doesn’t require a medical degree to understand.

Your primary care provider, or PCP, is who will address the more routine healthcare

needs you may have. Not only that, but your visits to your PCP are unlimited. If more

specialized care is needed, or if you need hospitalization, your PCP will help ensure

that’s arranged. You also have access to optional services and benefits, such as Start

Smart for Your Baby, Be Well! Program, vision and dental services and even

transportation services.

Care Source

This healthcare option is based in

Ohio and has been for quarter of a

century. It’s partnered with more than

25,000 Ohio doctors and more than

200 hospitals in Ohio. It offers no co-

pays for not only prescription drugs,

but over the counter medicines too. A

24 hour hotline adds to the benefits

and the website itself feels more like a “community” –complete with topics that are

current right now. Health living tips, the latest in Medicaid and Medicare news are just a

few of the topics. It’s comparable with Buckeye in that it also offers transportation

services, a new baby wellness program, dental and vision plans.

Molina Medicaid Solutions

This company boasts “technology solutions” for states incorporating expanded

Medicaid coverage. It’s a Fortune 500 company and is in many different states. It has its

own medical clinics and the company itself has a physician at the helm. What sets

Molina apart is the fact that it’s still owned by the same family that founded it.

Perhaps because it is led by a physician, there are sections that provide information on

the importance of healthcare directives, living wills and other documents you find as

part of your overall estate planning. With an easy to navigate website, plenty of tips (6

Tips to Prevent Falling, for example) and advice on what to expect during a visit, there’s

a lot to this company that bodes well for seniors.

United HealthCare

This community healthcare plan is also available in several states. It also has an

interactive website and programs such as Personal Care Model, Health First Steps and

even a disease management plan. It’s easy to incorporate and its customer service team

is consistently ranked high in surveys. It covers the Medicaid and Medicare programs,

and of course, the MyOhio dual eligibility program. It also accommodates those

families that have Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIPS).

Paramount

This program is available in northern Ohio and Michigan. It has several plans that are

sure to meet anyone’s needs. The Paramount Marketplace is easily accessed through

the website. Paramount is affiliated with ProMedica, though it’s not clear how.

With more than 25 years in business, it’s developed a strong model. An around the

clock hotline, a Live Chat option via its website and an optional Personal Call Center

Representative are all available.

All of these programs each have their own benefits and depending on your needs,

potential drawbacks. Ohio has a Medicaid Consumer Hotline you can call at 800-324-

8680.

Be sure to discuss with your estate planning lawyer your choices and don’t

underestimate the importance of proper estate planning, including putting into place

healthcare directives, living wills and powers of attorney. This ensures a complete

estate plan that allows you peace of mind as you go about the business of living your

life.

As always, we’re available to guide you through the Medicaid or Medicare process. We

invite you to give us a call today to learn more about your options and how to ensure no

detail is left open to interpretation.

About the Author

Barry Zimmer

Barry H. Zimmer founded THE ZIMMER LAW FIRM in June 1993, to practice in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, and business succession planning. His goal was and continues to be helping clients understand and de-mystify the often confusing world of estate planning in an ever-changing society, and to implement effective estate planning with minimal effort and time investment. The firm works from the belief that planning should always be driven by purpose. As a result, there are no “canned” or pre-set planning solutions. Instead, Zimmer helps clients identify their goals first and then builds estate and business plans based on that understanding. Barry has been in private practice since receiving his law degree from

the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1979. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from U.C. with Honors, Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, in 1976. He was profiled in the 1990-1991 edition of Who’s Who in American Law for contribution to the betterment of contemporary society, and has lectured numerous times on legal topics, and authored several articles and Special Reports on estate planning. He is a former guest columnist on Simply Money, on 91.7 FM, WVXU. He makes occasional guest appearances on radio about estate planning topics, and has been quoted in newspaper articles and columns on estate planning matters. In Mr. Zimmer’s perspective, excellence in implementing trust-based estate plans is but one aspect of his responsibility to clients. Providing reliable guidance and service to families of clients who pass away is just as critical as sound planning at the front end. The firm is very active in settling trusts of all complexity and sizes, and handling probate cases and guardianship proceedings. Zimmer and his staff have successfully handled hundreds of trust estate cases, and are experienced in settling and distributing a wide variety of estate assets to heirs. The Zimmer Law Firm 9825 Kenwood Road, Suite 201 Cincinnati, OH 45242 Phone: (513) 721-1513 Fax: (513) 287-8623 Website: www.zimmerlawfirm.com