Ohio Children's Alliance Coronavirus Update

As coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads throughout Ohio, we are committed to keeping our members updated with facts, resources, and guidance. Please plan to check our homepage daily for resources. We are in frequent contact with the DeWine Administration and are actively problem-solving on several fronts, including state regulation flexibility, funding for telehealth, and more general forms of financial support to keep agencies whole.

By now, most of you know that Governor DeWine announced several major decisions aimed at preventing the rapid spread of this virus. Recent major decision include:

• Prohibition on public mass gatherings (>100 people) in Ohio (click here for press release).

• Closure of all K-12 schools for three weeks beginning at the close of the school day on Monday, March 16th (click here for press release).

Medicaid MCOs are starting to explore advance payment options for their network providers.  Today UHC/Optum announced that providers that are in process of repaying their cash advances can pause their repayments for two months.

While we work to cultivate major solutions to the many provider-specific challenges, we encourage you all to start tracking business losses, such as lost productivity and new expenses incurred.  Government may be able to reimburse you later.

We are also holding a conference call on Monday, March 16 at 10am specifically to address challenges with residential facilities and group homes.  If you would like to participate, please sign up here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5594587147011262978

Resources:

• Guidance for Providing Behavioral Health Services via Telehealth

• Funding Opportunities for Telehealth

• Home Visiting Screening Flowchart and Tips for Home Visiting

• Guidance for Child Care Programs

• Coronavirus FAQ

• Governor DeWine 3-12-2020 COVID-19 Update (Video)

• Coronavirus Prevention Flyer

• How to Find Your Local Health Department

• Educational Videos on COVID-19

• Dr. Jerry Milner, Associate Commissioner, Children’s Bureau Message to State Child Welfare Agencies

These and other resources will be continually updated on our website. In the meantime, please visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov for daily updates and resources. If you have any questions regarding the virus, please call the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4ASKODH (1-833-427-5634).