The Ohio Supreme Court has issued a new ruling in LeadingAge Ohio v. Ohio Department of Medicaid, denying the Department’s motion for reconsideration and stay of execution. The November 12 decision leaves intact the Court’s earlier ruling, which ordered the Department to recalculate and issue quality incentive payments owed to Ohio nursing homes under the state’s Medicaid reimbursement system.
This latest entry, published in the November 12 case announcements, reaffirms the Court’s prior decision in LeadingAge Ohio v. Ohio Department of Medicaid (2025-Ohio-3066). That ruling represented a significant step forward in ensuring fair and timely reimbursement for LeadingAge Ohio’s nonprofit members providing skilled nursing care across the state.
LeadingAge Ohio continues to work closely with state partners to monitor implementation and next steps following the Court’s action, and will share additional detail on Medicaid’s plans when they are known.
All filings, rulings, and case documents can be accessed through the Ohio Supreme Court case docket. LeadingAge Ohio is relocating its headquarters to a new office in the Worthington area of Columbus. Beginning Wednesday, November 19, 2025, please direct mail and remittances to:
LeadingAge Ohio
445 Hutchinson Avenue, Suite 700
Columbus, Ohio 43085
Why we’re moving: The existing property on North Bank Drive will be transformed by National Church Residences - its owner - into a welcoming, connected, and mission-driven space. This new development will better serve their team members, residents, and the broader community. Learn more about this exciting project.
What this means for you: Our advocacy, education, and member services will continue without interruption. Phone numbers and email addresses remain the same. If your organization maintains a vendor profile for LeadingAge Ohio, please update our remittance and mailing address to the Hutchinson Avenue location effective November 19. If your finance person needs documentation such as an updated W‑9, please contact us and we will provide it promptly.
If you have any questions or needs during the transition, you can always reach us at info@leadingageohio.org or call (614) 444-2882. Thank you for your continued partnership with LeadingAge Ohio and for updating your records. Top You Asked: LeadingAge Ohio has received several questions from members regarding how to report elopements under the updated Ohio Administrative Code and what to expect once a report is submitted. Below are clarifications shared by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
ODH Answered:
Q: What email should facilities use to send elopement information?
A: If there is no concern for neglect, facilities may send the information via email to BLTCQ@odh.ohio.gov, if there is a concern for neglect, the incident should be reported through the Self-Reported Incident (SRI) process.
Q: What information should be included in the report?
A: Facilities should include details similar to what would be reported in an SRI, such as the circumstances of the event, immediate actions taken, outcomes for the resident, and any corrective measures implemented.
Q: Can updated information be sent as the investigation continues?
A: Yes. Additional information may be submitted the same way as the initial report, with a note indicating that the investigation is still in progress, similar to the five-day follow-up process used for abuse investigations.
Q: How does ODH handle elopement notifications? Are they treated like complaint surveys?
A: Elopement notifications are reviewed and placed in the facility’s file. A manager may reach out to request additional information, similar to how SRIs are processed.
Q: How soon should a facility expect ODH to visit after reporting?
A: Reporting an elopement does not automatically trigger a survey. ODH reviews each case and determines if further follow-up is needed based on the details provided.
Q: Are elopements categorized the same if a resident briefly exits due to a wander guard failure but is immediately returned, compared to when a resident leaves undetected?
A: No. ODH looks at the entire picture when reviewing elopements that are reported to ODH. Top Join the LeadingAge Ohio policy team on Monday November 17 at 10 a.m. as they give a rundown of pending and new legislation impacting our providers under consideration by the state legislature, and action being taken on the measures before the General Assembly breaks for the holidays.
Bills that are currently pending include those that would implement a caregiver tax credit, legislation that would enable electronic monitoring in assisted living, and a bill that would implement new standards for dementia training of certified nursing assistants.
To hear about these bills and more, register for the Advocacy in Action call here. LeadingAge Ohio’s efforts to improve care quality and strengthen provider reimbursement are drawing national attention. President and CEO Susan Wallace was featured in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News for her leadership in advancing the state’s Medicaid Quality Incentive Program (QIP)—an initiative that has grown to represent up to 13 percent of reimbursement statewide.
Behind the program’s success is a dedicated, member-driven effort led by Stephanie DeWees and the Squared Business Solutions (SBS) team, whose data-informed guidance and collaborative approach have helped members achieve measurable, lasting results. When many providers were left without incentive payments, LeadingAge Ohio developed the Reimbursement Collaborative, formerly known as the QIP Collaborative, to bring together teams across the state to interpret data, plan improvements, and strengthen care quality while maximizing reimbursement. Each six-month collaborative cycle includes monthly meetings, customized tools, and one-on-one consultation so any team member can participate and translate insights into real-world operational change.
Since its inception, participants have earned more than $18.2 million in incentive payments and improved their quality scores by as much as 140 percent. “Every six months, we find new ways to help members put value back into their communities,” Wallace said.
Ohio’s measurable outcomes are now a national model for linking quality to reimbursement. The next round of the Reimbursement Collaborative begins in January 2026. Members are encouraged to watch the LeadingAge Ohio Learning Center for registration updates and program announcements. Leading Without Limits, hosted by LeadingAge Southeast on November 19, explores how accessible and targeted leadership development can enhance the effectiveness of female leaders in mission-driven organizations. Attendees will discover practical strategies to overcome common roadblocks that hinder leadership growth, while acquiring coaching techniques that build confidence, sharpen focus, and drive results.
This session is free for LeadingAge Ohio members. Learn more and register by November 17 here.
LeadingAge Ohio is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of the Leadership Academy, a 7-month program designed to build the next generation of leaders in aging services. Fellows explore their authentic leadership style, strengthen their ability to manage team dynamics, and develop innovative approaches to care. This program was created in partnership with nationally recognized leadership expert Michele Holleran, Ph.D., and senior leaders from LeadingAge Ohio member organizations who are alumni of the Academy.
Since 2013, the Leadership Academy has graduated over 150 leaders. The program is open to employees of LeadingAge Ohio provider and associate member organizations, regardless of job title or background. Selection is based on leadership potential, commitment to aging services, and dedication to lifelong learning. Applications are due Friday, November 17, 2025, with fellows notified after the first of the year.
Learn more about the Leadership Academy here. Questions may be directed to Randi Hamill, Director of Workforce Development & Initiatives, at 614-545-9026 or rhamill@leadingageohio.org. LeadingAge Ohio invites members to join this fall’s Regional Network Gatherings, offering an opportunity to engage with peers from mission-driven aging services organizations in their communities. Our first gathering with our members and partners in southwest Ohio was so much fun and a great opportunity to connect in a relaxed setting.
We have two more upcoming events in Cleveland on November 18 and our NEW gathering in Toledo on November 20, with each running 4:00-6:00 PM. These annual gatherings create space for updates, professional connections, and shared learning across the state. Thank you to LeadingAge Platinum Partner, Link-age Solutions, for their continued support and sponsorship of these gatherings.
LeadingAge Ohio members are welcome to attend at no cost, though advance registration is required. Associate firms and partners are welcome to attend, with a nominal registration fee. Contact Corey Markham at cmarkham@leadingageohio.org for details. On November 7, 2025, members of the LeadingAge Ohio Advocacy Committee and Affordable Housing Subcommittee participated in a webinar featuring Todd W. Sleggs, Esq., of Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill Co., L.P.A., who provided an overview of recent property tax and valuation developments in Ohio, including insights on a host of property-tax related bills pending before the Ohio General Assembly, and how they might impact affordable senior housing providers.
Sleggs outlined how counties are approaching 2025 reappraisals, reviewed changes from prior legislation impacting tax complaints and appeals, and discussed how nonprofit housing operators can ensure accurate assessments and maintain property tax exemptions.
Members can access the slide deck and recording of the presentation for further details on current valuation trends and legislative updates. Top LeadingAge Ohio has signed onto a coalition letter in support of House Bill 279 and Senate Bill 205, legislation for a Family Caregiver Tax Credit, because of the meaningful relief it would bring to families while strengthening Ohio’s care continuum.
House Bill 279, sponsored by Representative Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon), and its companion measure, Senate Bill 205, sponsored by Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester), would authorize a nonrefundable tax credit of up to $2,000 for eligible caregiving expenses. The legislation is intended to help families manage the out-of-pocket costs associated with caring for older or dependent loved ones at home.
Under the Senate proposal, caregivers could claim 30 percent of qualifying expenses, up to the $2,000 annual maximum, for items such as mobility or safety modifications to a home or vehicle, assistive technology to support daily activities, respite or adult day care, and costs for hiring direct-care workers. Transportation, legal, and financial services necessary for caregiving would also qualify. The credit would apply to care recipients age 49 or older who have a documented need for assistance with at least two activities of daily living, certified by a licensed health care provider. Ohio lawmakers are advancing both proposals.
To qualify, taxpayers must have incurred at least $1,000 in caregiving expenses during the tax year and meet income thresholds based on filing status. Any unused portion of the credit could be carried forward indefinitely.
LeadingAge Ohio anticipates testifying in support of the bills before the year’s end. Any questions may be directed to Eli Faes at efaes@leadingageohio.org. Lawmakers in both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly have introduced companion measures to require dementia-specific training for nurse aides statewide.
House Bill 474, introduced on September 29, 2025, by Representatives Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) and Kellie Deeter (R-West Chester), and Senate Bill 314, sponsored by Beth Liston (D-Dublin) and Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus), would enact the Ohio Dementia Care Training Act for Nurse Aides. The legislation mandates at least two hours of dementia-care education for nurse aides as part of their competency evaluation, and requires training programs to receive approval from the Ohio Department of Health.
The LeadingAge Ohio policy team has engaged with Representatives Baker and Deeter, and discussed how certain provisions of the bill align with existing statutory training obligations for cognitive-care education. Under current Ohio law, each nursing home or residential care facility must provide in-service education that “shall include training for nurse aides providing nursing and nursing-related services to residents and patients with cognitive impairments.” Legislators plan to hold interested-party discussions as the legislation advances, with a shared goal of aligning any changes to statute with current training requirements and achieving common ground on intent, implementation and provider impact.
For more information, contact Eli Faes at efaes@leadingageohio.org. Governor Mike DeWine announced on October 31 that he will nominate Scott R. Partika to serve as director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), following the retirement of current Director Maureen Corcoran.
Partika has served in the DeWine administration since 2020, first as assistant policy director for health and human services and currently as policy director. His appointment will require confirmation by the Ohio Senate.
LeadingAge Ohio will continue monitoring the confirmation process and any administrative updates affecting reimbursement, quality, or provider engagement initiatives under new leadership. The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) shared key updates ahead of the January 1 launch of Next Generation MyCare Ohio.
Plan Comparison Tool
ODM released an updated MyCare Plan Comparison Guide showing all plans side-by-side, including Medicaid-specific and value-added benefits not shown on Medicare’s Plan Finder. It’s available on the Ohio Medicaid MyCare webpage under ‘Compare MyCare Ohio Plans.’
AAA Delegation Models
As with the original MyCare program, the health plans have the option to delegate only service coordination to the Area Agencies on Aging, or fully delegate both waiver service coordination as well as care management. Medicaid confirmed the final delegation arrangements as follows:
- Anthem, Buckeye, Molina: AAAs coordinate waiver services for members 60+; plans handle other care.
- CareSource: full delegation (AAA coordinates both waiver & care) only in NE Ohio regions 10A–11; partial elsewhere.
System Improvements
During the call, Medicaid highlighted improvements anticipated in the MyCare NExt Gen program, as a result of feedback from 38 community visits:
- Shorter prompt-pay timelines and dedicated provider-relations staff for HCBS.
- Simpler member communications at lower reading levels.
- Transportation and claims process updates to improve reliability
Appeals & External Medical Review
ODM reviewed differences between member appeals and grievances and outlined a new External Medical Review (EMR) process—an independent, no-cost option for providers after internal appeals.
Next Steps
ODM will host public Next Generation MyCare webinars:
LeadingAge Ohio members are encouraged to participate in the November 14 webinar. Questions regarding MyCare roll-out may be directed to Eli Faes at efaes@leadingageohio.org. The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) presented an overview last week of upcoming federal requirements related to Medicaid eligibility for certain adults. The presentation focused on changes introduced through the federal H.R. 1, which establishes work and community engagement requirements for some Medicaid enrollees.
Under the federal provision, states must implement these requirements by December 31, 2026, although extensions may be available until 2029. The rule applies only to nonexempt adults ages 19 to 64 who are eligible for coverage under Medicaid’s expansion group—often referred to as Group VIII, MAGI Adult, or “expansion” coverage—and whose income falls below 138 percent of the federal poverty level. ODM emphasized that this provision affects only this specific eligibility group, not all Medicaid recipients.
Learn about eligibility, ODMs analysis of Ohio, and more here. Top The federal government has reopened after Congress passed and the President signed a short-term funding bill late last night, officially ending the record-long shutdown.
While the immediate crisis has been resolved, budget negotiations for fiscal year 2026 continue. LeadingAge is tracking developments through its Fiscal Year Funding 2026 Serial Post, which provides real-time updates and context on the ongoing appropriations process.
Members seeking additional details and advocacy updates are encouraged to join the LeadingAge National Policy Pulse call, held every Monday at 3:30 p.m. Top The Ohio Administrative Code 3701-17-01 defines elopement as an event that occurs when a resident leaves a home or safe area without the facility's knowledge or without supervision. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, in the State Operations Manual Appendix PP, state that situations in which a resident leaves the premises or a safe area without the facility’s knowledge and supervision, if necessary, would be considered an elopement. CMS emphasizes that this situation represents a risk to the resident’s health and safety and places the resident at risk of heat or cold exposure, dehydration and/or other medical complications, drowning, or being struck by a motor vehicle.
Elopement is recognized by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) as a potentially preventable adverse event and remains a high-risk concern for facilities. Facilities should review and update elopement policies to ensure compliance with the Ohio rule revisions effective July 17, 2025, and confirm that staff are competent in all aspects of elopement protocols and understand what areas of the community are designated as the safe area. CMS emphasizes that facility policies that clearly define the mechanisms and procedures for assessing or identifying, monitoring and managing residents at risk for elopement can help to minimize the risk of a resident leaving a safe area without the facility’s awareness and/or appropriate supervision. Top Ohio Living Mount Pleasant is using innovative technology to enrich the lives of residents—most recently by offering a virtual Honor Flight experience for veterans for Veterans Day.
Through the use of virtual reality headsets, residents were able to experience the Honor Flight journey to Washington, D.C., visiting memorials and monuments dedicated to their service. The technology offered a meaningful alternative for those unable to travel, creating an immersive moment of reflection and gratitude.
“It’s very moving to see everything that’s gone before us,” said veteran Richard Isroff.
By integrating emerging technology into resident programming, Ohio Living Mount Pleasant demonstrates how creative approaches can enhance engagement and honor personal stories—especially for those who have served our country.
Read the full story from WLWT News 5 here, or learn more about Ohio Living Mount Pleasant. Top Enrollment is now open for the Winter 2026 session of the Core of Knowledge, a program designed for Administrators-in-Residence that fulfills the academic requirement set by the Board of Executives of Long-Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) for qualifying to sit for the state licensure board examination to become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA).
The three-week course will be held January 12–30, 2026, Monday through Thursday, at the OCLC Conference Center. This is one of only two opportunities to complete the required coursework in 2026.
The deadline to register is December 5, 2025. Learn more and register for the 2026 Winter Core of Knowledge. For additional information, contact Corey Markham at cmarkham@leadingageohio.org. Cash flow in senior living depends heavily on timing. When payments go out too early, cash reserves shrink. When they go out too late, vendor confidence falters.
Automating accounts payable (AP) gives finance teams the ability to schedule payments precisely. Automation replaces manual steps with digital scheduling and real-time insight into cash positions.
The result is greater control over when funds move, helping teams plan payments, capture early-pay discounts, and sustain steady operations.
Learn more about how AP automation supports stronger cash flow and financial visibility for senior living communities from LeadingAge Ohio Partner Corpay. LeadingAge Ohio holds valuable education webinars and in-person events throughout the year. Opportunities are added weekly. See the complete Schedule of Events. Top
|
