Category: Medicaid Managed Care

Alternative Headline: CareOregon Tightens Behavioral Health Network

[MM Curator Summary]: CareOregon will require Medicaid and MA members to use in-network providers for most behavioral health services starting next year.

====================================

Portland, Oregon-based nonprofit managed care organization CareOregon is limiting its networks for “non-contracted behavioral health providers.”

On Friday, the organization announced that its Medicaid and Medicare Advantage (MA) members would be required to get routine mental health and substance use disorder treatment from in-network providers.

Further, MA-covered behavioral health services provided by non-contracted providers will be subject to limitations after the end of the year, according to the announcement from CareOregon.

“We are navigating an incredibly challenging financial environment driven by the rising costs of health care and anticipated challenges to Medicaid funding. We must do more with less,” the announcement states. “With a smaller network of providers, we can streamline administrative management and focus on delivering high-quality care to our members. This change is also in line with industry standards.”

Specifically, the following services will be impacted:

— Individual, family & group therapy

— Skills trainings

— Case management

— Prescriber evaluation and management services

CareOregon specified that services such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), day treatment, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programing (PHP and IOP) and several other services would not be impacted by the new out-of-network mandate.

CareOregon maintains that its present network has the capacity to serve all impact members. The organization operates two distinct entities within the Oregon Medicaid program: Jackson Care Connect and Columbia Pacific. Its Medicare entity is called CareOregon Advantage.

The Portland Business Journal reports that CareOregon is the largest managed care organization within the state’s Medicaid program and announced the elimination of 150 filled and vacant roles to stem losses and prep for coming challenges in implementing changes to the Medicaid program.

The Journal further reports that out-of-network providers were paid 40% to 95% more than contracted providers and that the move reestablishes a pre-COVID era policy.

https://bhbusiness.com/2025/08/04/careoregon-closes-the-door-on-out-of-network-behavioral-health-providers-for-routine-care/

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Alternative Headline: $1.2M boost for youth mental health

[MM Curator Summary]: MHS Serves awarded $1.2 million to Indiana organizations to expand youth mental health and trauma-informed care.

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 Managed Health Services (MHS), a managed care entity that has been proudly serving the state of Indiana for 30 years and a Centene (NYSE: CNC) company, is proud to announce the recipients of the most recent partnership opportunity from MHS Serves, a $12 million program focused on addressing health disparities across Indiana. Through a collaborative partnership with Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC) and Black Onyx Management managing the program, MHS Serves strives to empower communities through partnerships and innovations focused on health access.

The latest partnership opportunity, Youth Mental Health Empowerment Program, supports the expansion or enhancement of current programs, services, initiatives, and resources that directly address youth access to healthcare, mental health, and trauma-informed care. By supporting effective program practices and professional development, MHS Serves will fund organizations in counties including Allen, Boone, Clark, Delaware, Elkhart, Floyd, Grant, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Hendricks, Henry, Howard, Jasper, Johnson, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Montgomery, Newton, Putnam, Porter, Scott, Starke, St. Joseph, Vigo, Washington and 4 statewide coverage organizations through this initiative. Organizations receiving partnership funding include:

Cultivating Life

Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, Inc.

VOICES Corporation

Family Ark

Firefly Children & Family Alliance

Foster Success

Girl Talk Incorporated

Heart City Health Center, Inc.

Indiana Family to Family

Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion County Commission on Youth

Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center Indianapolis Incorporated

New Hope Family Life Center

Playworks Indiana

Struggle Made Us

The Bloom Project, Inc

The Villages of Indiana, Inc.

Tindley Accelerated Schools

Uthiverse Incorporated

MHS Serves is proud to partner with these organizations through funding support to continue to expand youth access to mental health care and trauma-informed resources in our communities. More information can be found at mhsserves.org or by contacting st*******************@*******es.org.

About MHS
Managed Health Services (MHS) is a managed care entity that has been proudly serving the state of Indiana for 30 years through the Hoosier Healthwise and Hoosier Care Connect Medicaid programs and the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) Medicaid alternative program. MHS also offers Ambetter Health in the Indiana health insurance marketplace, and Wellcare By Allwell, a Medicare Advantage plan. All of our plans include quality, comprehensive coverage with a provider network you can trust. Visit mhsindiana.com to learn more. MHS is a Centene company, a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives.

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https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20250807cg45998/mhs-serves-announces-recipients-of-12-million-investment-in-youth-mental-health

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Alternative Headline: Senators Probe UnitedHealth Bonuses

[MM Curator Summary]: Senators Wyden and Warren are investigating UnitedHealth over allegations it paid nursing homes bonuses to avoid hospital transfers of residents.

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U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren are launching an investigation into UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) related to allegations that the company secretly paid nursing homes thousands in bonuses to cut hospital transfers of sick residents.

In the letter, the senators have asked more information from the managed care giant on the incident.

In May, The Guardian reported through an investigation that the company secretly paid nursing homes that helped it win Medicare enrollees and cut hospital transfers for sick patients.

According to the Guardian, the payments were linked to a company program under which its own medical teams were operating from nursing homes, helping the facilities to cut expenses attributed to its enrollees.

“We are concerned that these bonus programs provide a heavy incentive to nursing homes to limit hospitalizations of all kinds, even where necessary, in order to meet a metric that can be poorly suited to measure patient health and safety. Nursing home residents and their families should not live in fear of a for-profit health care company withholding care when it is most critical.” the letter stated.

The senators have requested a reply from the company by September 8 regarding its policies on hospitalizations, guidelines for care planning for nursing home residents in its institutional special needs plans, marketing strategies associated with those plans, and the federal oversight concerning them. 

https://seekingalpha.com/news/4481717-unitedhealth-to-be-investigated-by-senators-on-nursing-home-practices

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Alternative Headline: Ohio launches doula training

[MM Curator Summary]: Ohio Medicaid and MCOs are hosting two virtual training sessions to help doulas navigate billing, documentation, and Medicaid compliance.

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Ohio’s seven Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), in partnership with the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), are hosting a virtual technical assistance training series for doulas. Registration for the training series can be found on ODM’s doula webpage. 

Training session 1: Thursday, August 28 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Training session 2: Monday, November 3 from 2-3:30 p.m.

The first session will provide information on the following topics:

• Contracting process with MCOs
• Verifying Medicaid eligibility for members
• Submitting accurate electronic claims through the MCO provider portals
• Correct billing procedures including diagnosis codes
• Guidance on completing the Report of Pregnancy (ROP) in NurtureOhio
• Ways to obtain help/support from the MCOs

This practical session emphasizes proper documentation and compliance with Medicaid managed care rules for billing doula services. Strengthen your practice and gain confidence in navigating Ohio’s Medicaid Managed Care system.

Register now!

https://nursing.ohio.gov/about-us/news/all-news/doula-training

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Alternative Headline: $1M Boost for Rural Michigan Food Access

[MM Curator Summary]: Meridian and Centene Foundation are investing $1M to improve food access and health in rural southwest Michigan, targeting support at the 1.4 million Michiganders facing food insecurity. 

====================================

, /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Health Plan of Michigan, Inc. ("Meridian"), a leading managed care organization in Michigan, and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), announced today a $1 million grant to the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM), a cooperative network of the state’s regional food banks dedicated to alleviating hunger and food insecurity. The grant will support efforts in Prosperity Region 8, which includes Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties to upgrade current food pantries, equipping community members with food as medicine interventions, and providing technological support to future In Lieu of Services (ILOS) implementation. Additionally, the two-phased program will fund a fresh food pharmacy program at a federally qualified health center to support patients with diet-sensitive chronic conditions while offering health coaching supporting.

"Research shows that hunger, health and well-being are deeply connected," said Patty Graham, Meridian Plan President and CEO. "People who are food insecure are affected by diet-sensitive chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. By focusing on a proactive coordinated approach, this partnership will increase food access, remove transportation barriers and create a holistic pathway to address the root causes of health problems and health disparities in rural Michigan."

Phase One will designate and upgrade two existing food pantries to serve as Nourish MI Pantries, a model developed by the Food Bank Council of Michigan in collaboration with regional food banks, funders, and healthcare partners to support and enhance community pantries across the state. The model offers a shared standard that expands access to fresh, nutritious foods, enhances client experience, and supports partnerships in health and equity.

Participation in the model reflects a commitment to practices like client-choice shopping, fresh and frozen food availability, set hours, and a wide variety of healthy options. Pantries may also receive the ILOS Certified designation, allowing them to serve enrollees of Michigan’s Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs) participating in the Comprehensive Health Care Program (CHCP) Nourish MI Pantry Packs, a curated food pack that aligns with healthcare and nutrition goals.

The Phase One pantries will be equipped to deliver food as medicine interventions supported by local food bank development teams to implement a long-term plan for sustaining access to fresh food. Support could include the purchase of food, cold storage (such as refrigerators or freezers), shelving and other storage supplies, and technological support such as computers or tablets to support future In Lieu of Services (ILOS) implementation. The food banks will also provide technical assistance as needed to help the pantries effectively support ILOS patients. The initiative aims to strengthen local food access while also building capacity for ILOS operations for all participating Medicaid health plans.

Phase Two, set to begin in 2026, will expand the program, designating and upgrading five additional Nourish MI Pantries across the same region. It will also fund the Fresh Food Pharmacy (FFP) program at Grace Health, a federally qualified health center in Battle Creek. The funding for FFP helps eligible members with diet-sensitive chronic conditions access nutritious food and health education, while also supporting efforts to build a long-term sustainability strategy for the program. Eligible patients of Grace Health with chronic conditions can shop at the on-site pantry and participate in health coaching support.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Michiganders facing food insecurity has continued to grow and is especially prevalent in rural communities, where many travel long distances to get fresh produce because of limited grocery stores and limited public transit. This, along with other factors such as low income and few job prospects, can lead to food insecurity, which can adversely impact health and well-being. More than 1.4 million people are food insecure in Michigan, according to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap, and more than 378,000 of them are children.

"At the Food Bank Council of Michigan, our mission is to create a food-secure state through advocacy, collaboration and innovative solutions," said Dr. Phil Knight, Food Bank Council of Michigan Executive Director. "This partnership with Meridian and the Centene Foundation exemplifies that commitment by bringing lasting, fresh food access to rural communities in a way that’s both sustainable and designed to improve health outcomes. Together, we’re not only addressing hunger today, but laying groundwork to solve it for tomorrow."

By investing in the sustainability of the Fresh Food Pharmacy program and partnering with local pantries to strengthen and designate them as Nourish MI Pantries aligned with food as medicine principles, Meridian and the Centene Foundation further their commitment to bring fresh food year-round to rural areas. This includes areas of the state where residents face access barriers ensuring a healthier, more food-secure future for all Michiganders through this three-year partnership.

About Meridian Health Plan of Michigan, Inc.
Meridian provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs primarily through Medicaid (Meridian), Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (WellCare), Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MeridianComplete) and the Health Insurance Marketplace (Ambetter from Meridian). Meridian is a Centene Corporation company. For more information, visit www.mimeridian.com.

About the Centene Foundation
The Centene Foundation (the "Foundation"), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) ("Centene"). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene’s mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene is doing to remove the barriers to wellness underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing drivers of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare, social services and education. To learn more, visit the Centene Foundation’s website.

About Food Bank Council of Michigan 
The Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM), founded in 1984, leads a unified effort to end hunger across the state. By addressing the root causes of hunger, FBCM raises awareness, advocates for policies that protect those in need, conducts in-depth research to find sustainable solutions, and provides thought leadership and resources to Michigan’s food banks. Working with its network of regional food banks, over 2,800 hunger relief agencies, private companies, farmers, state and federal officials, and other allies, FBCM strives to ensure that no Michigander goes without food.

To learn more about the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s role in eliminating food insecurity, visit www.fbcmich.org or call 517-485-1202.

SOURCE Meridian of Michigan

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meridian-and-the-centene-foundation-announce-1-million-grant-to-the-food-bank-council-of-michigan-302518948.html

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Alternative Headline: CareOregon Tightens Behavioral Health Network

[MM Curator Summary]: CareOregon will require Medicaid and MA members to use in-network providers for most behavioral health services starting next year.

====================================

3 things to know summary – GPT

Suggested new headline:

CareOregon, Oregon’s largest Medicaid managed care organization, will limit routine behavioral health services to in-network providers for both Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members starting next year. Impacted services include therapy, skills training, case management, and prescriber visits, while intensive programs like ABA, day treatment, PHP, and IOP will remain unaffected.

The move aims to cut costs amid rising healthcare expenses and anticipated Medicaid funding challenges. Out-of-network providers have been paid 40%–95% more than contracted ones, and CareOregon says its existing network can meet demand. The change aligns with pre-COVID policies and follows a decision to cut 150 positions to manage financial pressures.

====================================

5BF Summary – GPT

• Summary: CareOregon will require Medicaid and MA members to use in-network providers for most behavioral health services starting next year.
• Key Points:

1. Affected services include therapy, skills training, case management, and prescriber visits.
2. Intensive services like ABA, PHP, and IOP remain unaffected by the policy change.
3. Move follows 150 job cuts and aims to address higher out-of-network costs (40%–95% more).

====================================

BEGIN ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Portland, Oregon-based nonprofit managed care organization CareOregon is limiting its networks for “non-contracted behavioral health providers.”

On Friday, the organization announced that its Medicaid and Medicare Advantage (MA) members would be required to get routine mental health and substance use disorder treatment from in-network providers.

Further, MA-covered behavioral health services provided by non-contracted providers will be subject to limitations after the end of the year, according to the announcement from CareOregon.

“We are navigating an incredibly challenging financial environment driven by the rising costs of health care and anticipated challenges to Medicaid funding. We must do more with less,” the announcement states. “With a smaller network of providers, we can streamline administrative management and focus on delivering high-quality care to our members. This change is also in line with industry standards.”

Specifically, the following services will be impacted:

— Individual, family & group therapy

— Skills trainings

— Case management

— Prescriber evaluation and management services

CareOregon specified that services such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), day treatment, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programing (PHP and IOP) and several other services would not be impacted by the new out-of-network mandate.

CareOregon maintains that its present network has the capacity to serve all impact members. The organization operates two distinct entities within the Oregon Medicaid program: Jackson Care Connect and Columbia Pacific. Its Medicare entity is called CareOregon Advantage.

The Portland Business Journal reports that CareOregon is the largest managed care organization within the state’s Medicaid program and announced the elimination of 150 filled and vacant roles to stem losses and prep for coming challenges in implementing changes to the Medicaid program.

The Journal further reports that out-of-network providers were paid 40% to 95% more than contracted providers and that the move reestablishes a pre-COVID era policy.

https://bhbusiness.com/2025/08/04/careoregon-closes-the-door-on-out-of-network-behavioral-health-providers-for-routine-care/

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Alternative Headline: Highmark WV Launches Farm-to-Family Market

[MM Curator Summary]: Highmark Health Options WV marked its one-year anniversary with a fresh produce market — open to all — to help fight food insecurity and expand community health access.

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PARKERSBURG, W.Va. – Highmark Health Options West Virginia will mark its one-year anniversary in the Mountain State with a community celebration rooted in action: the launch of its first Farm-to-Family fresh produce market on Saturday, Aug. 2, in South Charleston. The event, open to all and requiring no personal identification or paperwork, will distribute thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables to local families while connecting them to on-site social services.

The free farmers market is part of a broader effort by Highmark Health Options to reimagine health care in West Virginia by addressing the root causes of poor health outcomes — including food insecurity, lack of access to preventive care, and what President Jason Landers calls Appalachian fatalism, the entrenched belief that a better future isn’t possible.

“We’re here to do more than manage claims,” said Landers, a longtime West Virginian and former coal miner’s son. “We’ve spent the past 12 months hiring West Virginians, listening to West Virginians, and building a health plan that works for West Virginians. This event is symbolic of what we stand for — showing up for communities and making care real.”

Highmark Health Options entered the state’s Medicaid and CHIP market in 2024 as the first Blue Cross Blue Shield-branded managed care organization. The plan began with fewer than 1,000 members and now serves more than 13,000 — adding on average more than 1,000 new members each month.

Much of that growth stems from Highmark’s investment in an innovative, statewide social care network — connecting members with local nonprofits to address urgent needs like transportation, housing, dental care and food access in a way that encourages care gap closure. It’s modeled after a successful Pennsylvania program that has delivered improved health outcomes, fewer emergency department visits and greater access to mental health care.

Landers believes that overcoming generational health challenges in West Virginia means meeting people where they are — physically, emotionally and culturally.

“Hope is a health strategy,” he said. “Whether it’s offering expanded dental benefits so a member can feel confident during job interviews or helping a grandmother age at home rather than in a facility, we’re focused on giving our members every chance to thrive.”

This marks the first West Virginia edition of Highmark’s successful Farm-to-Family initiative — which has helped thousands of families in Pennsylvania access nutritious food and holistic care in one place.

About Highmark Health Options West Virginia

Highmark Health Options West Virginia is a managed care organization serving West Virginians who qualify for Medicaid. We help each of our members receive the care and services they need to live healthier and more independent lives, and we collaborate with providers and regulators to improve health outcomes, simplify the health care experience, and ensure affordability. Highmark Health Options West Virginia members include individuals and families with low income or complex health and social needs, expectant mothers, children, and people with disabilities. Learn more at: https://www.highmark.com/health-options-wv

https://therealwv.com/2025/07/31/highmark-health-options-marks-one-year-anniversary-with-community-food-event/

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Alternative Headline: Molina Invests $1.6M in Illinois Health

[MM Curator Summary]: Molina Healthcare of Illinois is investing $1.6M to expand health access, address disparities, and strengthen the healthcare workforce.

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CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), in collaboration with The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), is announcing over $1.6 million in support of local community organizations to improve health outcomes in Illinois.

"Through our partnership with Molina, PRISM is expanding the reach of our mobile immunization program, ensuring children across Chicagoland get the vaccines and preventive care they need to stay healthy,” said Zul Kapadia, president of PRISM Health. “Molina’s support allows us to bring our mobile clinic to 40 more schools and community sites, while helping us retain the health care workers who make this work possible. We’re meeting families where they are and delivering care right to their doorstep."

Together with community partners, Molina is working to enhance and create programs designed to address community health needs, increase access to care, improve behavioral health and maternal health outcomes, strengthen the health care workforce, and support families in Illinois.

“Molina is dedicated to ensuring everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the care and resources they need,” said Matt Wolf, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Illinois. “These investments are designed to address health disparities by helping trusted community partners carry out their missions to improve access and health outcomes for our communities.”

Access to Care

In Illinois, nearly 17% of adults reported having no usual source of medical care. Furthermore, across Illinois, only 28.5% of residents received a flu shot while 21.5% of children ages 5-17 received a flu shot. Molina is committed to bridging gaps by bringing care directly to individuals who need it, helping increase vaccine rates and improve health outcomes. Through this investment, Molina is supporting a mobile health program, enhancing immunization access for both adults and children, and bringing vaccines directly to schools.

Behavioral Health

Illinois faces significant and persistent gaps in its behavioral health system, with nearly 40% of Illinoisans living in a designated mental health professional shortage area. To address the shortage of behavioral health care, Molina is supporting initiatives that enable uninsured and underinsured individuals to access mental health care and increase the capacity of local providers to deliver care.

Maternal Health

Molina is committed to improving maternal health and addressing disparities so that mothers and babies can have a healthy start. Black women are more than twice as likely to die from a pregnancy-related condition and three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related medical conditions than white women. Molina is investing in initiatives to improve maternal health outcomes by increasing access to doulas, which have been shown to lower rates of cesarean delivery, reduce the risk of preterm birth, and increase postpartum visits.

Health-Related Social Needs

Data shows that health-related social needs, including housing, food, transportation, and economic security play a critical role in shaping health outcomes for individuals and communities. Molina’s partnerships aim to address social needs that impact health by supporting free laundry services, increasing access to food, and improving housing stability.

Workforce Development

Molina’s partnerships aim to enhance the provider workforce in communities across Illinois by providing education and training opportunities for providers and supporting programs that are building a sustainable pipeline of physicians. Approximately 89 of Illinois’ 102 counties are designated as health professional shortage areas, disproportionately impacting low-income and rural residents.

About The MolinaCares Accord

Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through the Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.

About Molina Healthcare of Illinois

Molina Healthcare of Illinois, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace programs in Illinois. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Illinois, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.

More News From Molina Healthcare of Illinois, Inc.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250805320718/en/Molina-Healthcare-of-Illinois-Invests-%241.6-Million-to-Improve-Access-to-Health-Care

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Alternative Headline: Anthem Names New Ohio Medicaid President

[MM Curator Summary]: Michelle Stoughton has been appointed president of Anthem’s Ohio Medicaid health plan, serving over 200,000 members.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem), a leading provider of health benefits for Ohio residents enrolled in the state’s Medicaid managed care program, announced today that Michelle Stoughton has been named president of its Medicaid health plan.

“Michelle is a highly respected leader with extensive experience in healthcare policy and government,” said Jennie Reynolds, east region president of Anthem Medicaid. “Her proven track record in Ohio and her dedication to community health make her exceptionally well-suited to lead our Medicaid operations in the state. We are confident in Michelle’s ability to drive innovation, foster strong partnerships, and improve the whole health of the Ohioans we serve.”

In her new role, Stoughton assumes responsibility for all aspects of Anthem’s Medicaid health plan operations in Ohio, ensuring its more than 200,000 members receive access to innovative, high-quality healthcare and support services. She will also lead efforts to strengthen relationships in the community with state leaders, providers, and other key stakeholders.Starting in 2026, Anthem will be one of four managed care organizations to provide services to Ohioans who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid healthcare coverage under its Next Generation MyCare Ohio program, in addition to continuing to provide benefits through the managed care program.

“Anthem’s long-standing commitment to improving the health of Ohio communities is one I deeply share, and I’m honored to take on this leadership role,” said Stoughton. “I look forward to working alongside our state partners, providers, members, and local organizations to strengthen access to high-quality care—both today and as we prepare to support some of Ohio’s most vulnerable individuals in the Next Generation MyCare Ohio program beginning in 2026. Together, we’ll continue to serve with compassion, elevate health outcomes, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of Ohioans across the state.”

Stoughton brings nearly 15 years of experience in healthcare policy to her new role. She most recently served as the regional vice president of government relations for Anthem in Ohio and managed the central region team of senior government relations directors for Anthem’s parent company. Before that, Stoughton served as the Midwest director for Albers & Company and as government relations director for the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants. She has also served as a legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives. Stoughton holds a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a Master of Public Administration from The Ohio State University. She volunteers as coordinator of All Saints Episcopal Church’s In the Garden Program, a meal service for homeless individuals in downtown Columbus.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X at @AnthemBCBS.

More News From Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250805639755/en/Michelle-Stoughton-Named-President-of-Anthem-Blue-Cross-and-Blue-Shield-Medicaid-in-Ohio

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Alternative Headline:  Superior Invests $18M in OTC Benefits

[MM Curator Summary]: Superior HealthPlan spent $18 million over four years on OTC benefits for Medicaid and CHIP members across Texas. 

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Superior HealthPlan, a leading managed care organization in Texas and a company of Centene (NYSE: CNC), announced today it invested $18 million in over-the-counter (OTC) items, a Value-added Service (VAS), for members enrolled in either Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from 2020 through 2024. Value-added Services are extra benefits that help provide additional support for low-income families and individuals across all 254 Texas counties.

"The extra benefits we provide our members are critical in supporting their overall health and well-being," said Mitch Wasden, CEO of Superior HealthPlan. "Over the years, we’ve learned how impactful these over-the-counter items can be to the families we serve, and we’re proud to be able to help them fill this need."

“As a Superior HealthPlan Value-added Service,” read this morning’s news release, “STAR, CHIP, STAR Kids, STAR Health, and some STAR+PLUS members can receive either $25 or $30 for commonly used OTC items every quarter, per member.These include hundreds of items, such as:

•Digestive health products

•Eye, ear, and oral care products

•Household cleaning supplies

•Personal hygiene products

•Sun care supplies.”

For more than 25 years, Superior HealthPlan has offered high-quality health care to Texans, and is now a leading managed care company providing services to 2 million people. Committed to transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time, Superior supports active local involvement in all 254 Texas counties with 3,500 employees throughout the state

CNC shares fell 18 cents to $26.03.

https://www.baystreet.ca/stockstowatch/21342/Cenetene-Arm-Invests-in-OTC-Shares-Drop

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