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Counselors in Ohio reported that CareSource, a nonprofit Medicaid managed care organization (MCO), was planning on taking back payments for behavioral health services after reviewing past claims. In some cases, counselors were being asked to repay money for services rendered years ago. This raised serious concerns about the financial impact on counselors and the potential effect on client care.

The Ohio Counseling Association (OCA), ÀÖ²©´«Ã½members on the ground, and the ÀÖ²©´«Ã½Government Affairs and Public Policy team mobilized immediately to push back against these harmful proposed clawbacks. Through coordinated coalition-building, direct engagement with the Ohio Department of Medicaid and targeted state-based outreach, advocates made it clear that these cuts would undermine access to essential mental health services.

Because of the relentless advocacy of OCA, the Ohio counseling community, ÀÖ²©´«Ã½members and dedicated mental health champions, CareSource of Ohio has suspended its planned clawbacks—a powerful reminder that collective action protects both providers and the communities they serve.

CareSource’s suspension is a major advocacy win and a testament to power of counselors’ collective voices. We commend OCA, the Ohio counseling community, our advocacy partners and every individual who raised their voice against these harmful clawbacks. Your advocacy made this impact possible—and it will continue to be essential as we push for lasting protections for counselors and the communities they serve.

With indications that additional MCOs may soon take similar action in other states, the situation remains deeply concerning and requires continued vigilance and response.

ÀÖ²©´«Ã½will continue to closely monitor developments in Ohio and stand alongside state branches in sustained advocacy efforts to protect counselors and the clients they serve. If you have questions or want to become more actively involved in ACA’s advocacy, contact us at advocacy@counseling.org.