The Ohio Senate Medicaid Committee convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss significant advancements in behavioral health services, particularly for children with complex needs. A key focus of the meeting was the OhioRISE program, a specialized managed care plan designed to support children requiring intensive behavioral health services. This initiative aims to provide care in the least restrictive environment, reducing the need for costly institutionalization.

During the meeting, officials highlighted impressive outcomes from the OhioRISE program, including a 41% reduction in emergency room visits and a 40% decrease in the length of hospital stays for participating youth. Additionally, the average duration of stays in psychiatric residential treatment facilities dropped by 60%. These metrics were compared to traditional managed care plans, showcasing the effectiveness of OhioRISE in addressing the needs of children with significant behavioral health challenges.

The committee also reviewed the governor's budget proposals, which include continuous eligibility for children aged 0 to 3, funding for mobile response stabilization services, and enhancements to the Medicaid school program. Notably, the budget proposes increasing the personal needs allowance for individuals in nursing homes and intermediate care facilities from $50 to $100, reflecting a commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

In closing, officials emphasized their dedication to providing humane and effective care while being responsible stewards of state resources. The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance behavioral health services in Ohio, particularly for children, and the importance of collaboration across agencies to achieve these goals.