MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
[Ohio] Access and Availability | After Hours Standard Change
CareSource·OH · Psychiatry·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Jul 1, 2026
We identified it
May 23, 2026
Summary
CareSource is expanding its 24-hour after-hours availability requirement to include Behavioral Health (BH) providers effective July 1, 2026. BH providers must ensure patients can reach a provider or backup provider by phone after hours, with the option to refer patients to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline. This is a reminder that messages directing patients only to emergency departments are no longer acceptable.
Action Required
By June 30, 2026: BH providers must implement after-hours phone messaging that provides patients with access to a clinician (provider or backup) for triage. Front desk staff and BH providers should verify that current voicemail/answering systems include appropriate contact information for reaching the provider or backup, or reference to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline. Update any existing after-hours messages that only direct patients to the emergency department. This requirement applies to all CareSource Medicaid, Marketplace, and MyCare Ohio (HMO D-SNP) patients. Refer to the 'Timely Access to Care' training on HealthPlanResources.com or the Provider Portal for guidance. Non-compliance may affect network participation and CareSource member satisfaction scores.