Judge Dismisses Aetna's Medicaid Contract Challenge

A lawsuit filed by Aetna Better Health, Inc. over the Ohio Department of Job and Family Service’s (ODJFS) Medicaid managed care contract award process was dismissed last week by Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Robert Sheward. 

Sheward ruled he "did not find that the state abused its discretion at all."  He went on to say that Aetna's case was "unbelieveable." 

Aetna Better Health, Inc. was initially picked as a contract finalist but was later removed from the program after ODJFS rescored the original bids.  The judge ruled that the department acted appropriately in the review process.  The five companies that were selected include, CareSource, Paramount Care, United Healthcare Community Plan of Ohio, Buckeye Community Health Plan and Molina Healthcare of Ohio.

The decision clears the way for ODJFS to implement Medicaid managed care reforms and finalize contracts with the selected plans