Draft: Ohio Commission to Reform Medicaid, Condensed list of Recommendations

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Unlocking the Medicine Chest: A white paper on federal and state prescription drug assistance programs for Ohio. November 2004

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Ohio's Best RX Prescription Drug Discount Program Fact Sheet

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From Gongwer News Service
Volume #73, Report #74 --Monday, April 19, 2004

MEDICAID REVIEW PANEL URGED TO SEEK MARKET-BASED REFORMS; ADVOCATES MAKE CASE FOR LONG-TERM CARE OPTIONS, FUNDING

An independent commission charged with recommending changes to the state's Medicaid program kicked off two days of public testimony Monday by hearing from supporters of more privatization in the system as well as advocates of home- and community-based services for the elderly and disabled.

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Senate Bill 86
The passage of Senate Bill 86 improved health care access in Ohio by expanding Ohio's "Good Samaritan" law. Currently, the law protects doctors who provide medical care to patients in free clinics. SB 86 extends the immunity of civil liability to volunteer health care professionals and workers who provide services to indigent and uninsured patients. The legislation will be effective in April, 2004.

Advocates for the expansion of the Good Samaritan law join Governor Taft and State Senator Steve Stivers for signing of SB 86. Several OAHCA members, including Jan Ruma of CareNet in Toledo, Amy Rohling of the Ohio Free Clinics Association and Tim Maglione of the OSMA joined the Governor for the bill signing.

Ohio's Best RX
Starting in summer 2004, a new prescription drug discount program called Ohio’s Best RX will be offered to seniors age 60 and over, and to lower-income Ohioans who are uninsured.

The program is based on existing drug discount plans previously negotiated for state employees and retirees. Qualified users of Ohio’s Best RX may achieve savings of 20 to 40 percent, which are offered by drug manufacturers and pharmacies.

Click here for a "Q and A" on Ohio's Best RX.

Sponsors, legislators and representatives of the Coalition for Affordable Health and PhRMA joined Governor Taft as he signed HB 311 into law creating the Ohio’s Best Rx program, which will be implemented by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services later this year.