OhioRISE program cuts emergency room visits by 41 percent for children's behavioral health

Ohio's Medicaid Committee spotlighted significant advancements in children's behavioral health services during its recent meeting, particularly highlighting the OhioRISE program. This specialized managed care plan aims to support children with complex behavioral health needs, ensuring they receive necessary care in the least restrictive environments.

The OhioRISE initiative has shown promising results, with a reported 41% reduction in emergency room visits and a 28% decrease in psychiatric hospital stays. Notably, the average length of hospitalization for youth has dropped by 40%, and the length of stay in psychiatric residential treatment facilities has decreased by an impressive 60%. These metrics underscore the program's effectiveness in providing intensive, home-based services rather than costly institutional care.

In addition to OhioRISE, the committee discussed other key priorities, including the governor's budget proposal for continuous eligibility for youth aged 0 to 3, which aims to enhance access to care. The budget also allocates funds for various behavioral health supports and capital projects approved by the General Assembly.

Further initiatives include increasing the personal needs allowance for individuals in nursing homes and intermediate care facilities from $50 to $100, as well as updates to the Medicaid school program, which will utilize local tax money for funding.

As the committee continues to navigate the complexities of healthcare provision, the focus remains on delivering humane, effective care while being responsible stewards of state resources. The ongoing commitment to improving behavioral health services for Ohio's youth is a critical step towards better health outcomes in the state.