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CLIENT ALERT: Ohio Managed Care Organization (MCO) Open Enrollment

Client Alert

Open Enrollment started April 30, and will continue through May 25, 2018, for your MCO (Managed Care Organization).  Every State Fund Ohio employer can select their MCO for the coming policy year.  The MCO is responsible for helping to manage Ohio Workers’ Compensation claim costs.  All State Fund employers will begin to receive correspondence urging them to select that particular MCO, or urging them not to make a switch.               

 

Legislation introduced in 1993, which eventually became law after amendments, made managed health care a part of the Ohio Workers’ Compensation system.  That system has evolved over the years, and MCOs now make initial decisions involving most medical management issues in state fund claims.  Their importance cannot be overstated, as the medical management often dictates the path a particular claim will take.  It would be a mistake for any State Fund Ohio employer to simply allow the “default” MCO manage their claims.  Instead, they should examine their MCO (every State Funded employer has one – and if the employer has not selected one, then one is selected for that employer at random), and decide whether they want to switch or keep their MCO.

 

The Ohio BWC provides helpful information for those looking for basic information (which can be found at https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/downloads/brochureware/brochures/MCOGuide.pdf).  Of course, anyone who wants to discuss their overall claims situation is free to contact Richard Williger, and I’d be happy to spend some time looking at their overall Experience.


Corporate Transparency Act Overhauled: U.S. Entities No Longer Required to Report

The Department of Treasury has issued an interim final rule significantly altering the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). As of March 21, 2025, all U.S.-created entities and their beneficial owners are exempt from reporting requirements. Only non-U.S. entities registered to do business in the U.S. must still report, but they are not required to disclose U.S. citizen owners. Business owners should stay informed on these changes and consult legal counsel for compliance guidance.

ODM to Implement Medicaid Work Requirements: What Providers and Medicaid Expansion Recipients Need to Know

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) has submitted a waiver to impose work requirements for Medicaid expansion recipients. If approved, the new eligibility criteria will take effect on January 1, 2026. A federal public comment period is open until April 7, 2025.

Ohio Appellate Court Rules in Favor of Gender-Affirming Care

On March 18, 2025, the 10th District Court of Appeals in Franklin County ruled that Ohio’s House Bill (HB) 68, which restricts puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors seeking gender-affirming care, violates the Health Care Freedom Amendment and is therefore unenforceable. The court found that the law unlawfully interferes with parental rights and medical decision-making. The case, Moe v. Yost, has been remanded, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost intends to appeal.

HHS Revokes Public Comment Requirement on Certain Policy Changes

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has revoked the Richardson Waiver, eliminating the requirement for public notice and comment on certain policy changes. This decision allows HHS to implement new policies more quickly, potentially affecting healthcare funding rules like Medicaid work requirements. While it speeds up policymaking, it also reduces opportunities for stakeholder input, raising concerns over transparency and unintended consequences for healthcare providers, states, and patients.

Don't Get Caught Dazed and Confused: Another Florida Court Weighs in on Employer Obligations to Accommodate Medical Marijuana Use

A Florida trial court ruled in Giambrone v. Hillsborough County that employers may need to accommodate off-duty medical marijuana use under the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). This contrasts with prior rulings and raises new compliance challenges for employers. With the case on appeal, now is the time to review workplace drug policies.