The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is proud to introduce a new Power Agent role in Provider Network Management (PNM) module, launching on October 15. The Power Agent role in PNM will give designated provider agents broader access to perform nearly all administrative functions. This will offer enhanced flexibility for organizations that need more than one person to have administrator capabilities.

You spoke and we listened! This role was developed in response to provider feedback and is designed to enhance administrator capabilities—especially for organizations managing large numbers of agents.

• This is a brand new role, and most providers are hearing about it for the first time.
• If your organization has no agents, very few agents, or is satisfied with your current setup, no action is required.

No system changes will be made to your current configuration unless you choose to utilize the new role.

For those interested in learning more or planning future changes, training sessions will be available to walk through the new Power Agent functionality, including how to assign agents, manage access, and bulk upload agent assignment. These sessions will be a terrific opportunity to explore the role’s capabilities and determine whether it is a fit for your organization. Training dates will be announced soon!

On September 23, 2025, ODM announced the performance results from the inaugural program year of its Comprehensive Maternal Care (CMC) initiative, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to improve maternal health outcomes by paying for improved quality and outcomes.

“Giving every Ohioan the best possible start in life begins with supporting mothers and families from the very beginning,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The Comprehensive Maternal Care (CMC) program is a powerful example of how we can work together to ensure that moms receive the care, respect, and resources they need to thrive. When we invest in maternal health, we invest in the future of Ohio.”

CMC was announced in September of 2022 as part of Governor DeWine’s Bold Beginning: Healthy, Supported Families. Launched in January 2023, the CMC program was designed to support obstetrical providers in delivering high-quality care to pregnant and postpartum women—particularly those who have historically faced barriers to accessing comprehensive maternal health services.

In its first year, 77 practices from 24 organizations across 19 counties enrolled in the program, collectively serving nearly 36,000 women. Participating practices committed to:

• Collaborating with local community service providers
• Integrating mental and behavioral health into care
• Listening to feedback from moms and families
• Sharing best practices with peer organizations
• Focusing on the overall health and well-being of mothers—not just pregnancy care

“The Comprehensive Maternal Care program reflects our deep commitment to transforming how we support mothers and families across Ohio,” Ohio Department of Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran said. “By aligning financial incentives with whole-person care, we are empowering providers to deliver more coordinated and compassionate care before, during, and after pregnancy. These first-year results are just the beginning of a stronger, healthier future for Ohio’s moms and babies.”

To participate, providers were required to serve at least 150 pregnant and postpartum women. ODM supported their efforts through a tiered, prospective per member per month (PMPM) payment model based on patient risk levels. In total, ODM distributed $4.2 million in PMPM payments during the first year.

To qualify for these payments, providers had to meet at least 50% of the program’s clinical quality measures, which included:

• Hepatitis B screening
• HIV screening
• TDAP vaccination
• Tobacco cessation support
• Postpartum care
• Maternal primary care visits

Looking ahead, ODM is focused on expanding and improving the program. Future goals include:

• Increasing mental health screenings for moms
• Improving access to reliable transportation for medical appointments
• Encouraging postpartum primary care visits
• Enhancing the overall care experience for mothers

The CMC initiative is still growing. With support and outreach from the managed care plans the number of practices is still growing. In Program Year 2025, 129 practices from 52 entities across 35 counties are participating, serving nearly 49,000 women. ODM continues to evolve the program annually through updates to Ohio Administrative Code rule 5160-19-03 to better meet the needs of Ohio’s mothers, babies, and families.