The provider community is continuing to struggle with vendors being held for long periods of time after a facility exits the Medicaid program or a Change of Provider occurs. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) typically holds up to two vendors from the old provider to ensure collection of unpaid franchise fees and balances due, relating to unsettled and adjudicated periods. In some cases, this process can take years to complete.
The provider associations lobbied to include language in Amended Substitute House Bill 1 (ASHB1) to correct the issues by allowing for a successor liability agreement to be signed between the old and new providers. ODJFS agreed to the changes; however, incorrect language included in the bill was vetoed by the Governor. An additional attempt was made to attach the language to Senate Bill 214, but at press time, the bill had moved out of committee but was stalled before receiving the vote of the full Senate. If Senate Bill 214 does not come before a vote of the full Senate, the Legislature is hoping to attach the language to a future bill to finally solve the held vendor problem. We will keep you updated with any developments.