Ohio's Medicaid Freeze on New Home Care Agencies Expires Nov. 14 as Federal Pause Is Extended Another Six Months
Ohio's freeze on Medicaid enrollment for new home health and hospice agencies is set to expire on Saturday, November 14. Since May, Ohio families who found a new home health aide or hospice provider have been unable to get them enrolled in Medicaid. A notice from the state Medicaid department said the freeze runs through November 14 unless federal officials approve an extension. On November 12, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced it would extend for another six months its nationwide pause on Medicare enrollment of new home health and hospice agencies, and the federal notice named Ohio as one of the few states that had also frozen Medicaid enrollment.
The freeze covers eight categories of providers, including home health agencies, hospice agencies, private-duty nurses and caregivers hired directly by families. Governor Mike DeWine announced the freeze request on May 13 as part of a crackdown on Medicaid fraud. The state says whether the freeze is extended past its expiration will depend on the federal decision, and many families who rely on home care are waiting for a clear answer.
Source: Ohio Department of Medicaid
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 位于哥伦布的罗德州政府办公大楼，俄亥俄州医疗补助厅设于其中。／The Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus, home to the Ohio Department of Medicaid.（w_lemay，CC0，Wikimedia Commons）
