Governor DeWine has announced that Medicaid, the managed care plans, and MyCare Ohio plans have come together to remove barriers for members receiving Medicaid benefits during this crisis.

“These groups have collaborated to maintain the health of individuals to keep them out of the hospital and reduce undue strain on our healthcare system,” said Governor DeWine.

“They are trying to reduce the administrative requirements of physicians and others in order to give them more flexibility so that they can focus on safe patient care.

Prior authorizations will be by-passed for new prescriptions.
Members will receive pharmacy benefits regardless of in-network or out-of-network provider status.
The threshold for refills on certain prescriptions will be relaxed.
Pharmacists who dispense emergency refills without a prescription will be reimbursed.
Pharmacies that dispense over-the-counter medications without a prescription will be reimbursed.
Member co-pays will be waived for all prescriptions.
90-day supplies on maintenance medications will be authorized.
The managed care plans have already lifted prior authorizations for all but a few services. This took effect on March 27. Physicians and other providers, without prior authorization by a managed care plan, are using clinical judgment to determine if something is a medical necessity.

Also, Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted STERIS Healthcare in Mentor a temporary Emergency Use Authorization for decontaminating compatible N95 and N95-equivalent respirators.

Many Ohio distilleries have stepped up and are now are producing large quantities of hand sanitizer. JobsOhio has purchased more than 3,100 cases (more than 1 million ounces) of distillery-made sanitizer. JobsOhio will donate the hand sanitizer to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks.

Shipments of the hand sanitizer are arriving at distribution centers this week and will be delivered to Ohio’s 12 Food Banks next week and over the coming months as they need it.

Meanwhile, Governor DeWine said a new permit from the Ohio Department of Transportation will allow food vendors to sell food to truck drivers and other essential personnel who stop at any of the state’s 86 rest areas.

The permit is of no cost to the vendor and can be found on ODOT’s website at www.transportation.ohio.gov

Vendors must display it at all times while operating, and must abide by state and local food service regulations, as well as social distancing guidelines.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will regularly monitor rest areas to enforce compliance with all Ohio laws and regulations.

This is in addition to the regular vending machine service that is provided by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.