Ohio Children’s Alliance today announced Aetna Better Health of Ohio will contribute “We made a commitment as an organization that we would work to reduce wait times and improve access to mental health services for children and families,” said Mark Mecum, CEO of the Ohio Children’s Alliance. “We are grateful to Aetna Better Health of Ohio for providing the resources we need to begin achieving this goal across all of Ohio.”
As part of the initiative, Ohio Children’s Alliance and Aetna Better Health of Ohio will work together to establish same-day centers at a network of community mental health agencies located in every region of Ohio.
“It is critical that children and adults experiencing a sudden mental health crisis have access to immediate care. We are honored to be part of the solution to address this longstanding challenge in our health care system,” said Tony Solem, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Ohio. “Our support of this important statewide project will ensure Ohio families can access the care they need, when they need it.”
In addition to face-to-face visits, the funding will also expand mental health services provided through telehealth means. The new same day access programs are expected to open statewide by early 2021.
About the Ohio Children’s Alliance
Since 1973, the Ohio Children’s Alliance has equipped community agencies for success. The Alliance works to ensure Ohio’s evolving public policies result in a system that is integrated, efficient, and beneficial to those that matter most – children and families. Learn more at www.ohiochildrensalliance.org.
About Aetna Better Health® of Ohio
Aetna Better Health of Ohio is a subsidiary of Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health Company. Since 2014, Aetna Better Health of Ohio has served the most vulnerable members of the Buckeye State. Aetna Better Health of Ohio is bolstered by Aetna Medicaid’s 30 years of experience managing the care of the most medically vulnerable, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has particular expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve approximately 2.4 million people in 16 states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Texas. For more information, see www.aetnabetterhealth.com.
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