Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) Director Maureen Corcoran marked the three-year anniversary of Ohio Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence, better known as OhioRISE, a groundbreaking managed care behavioral health program for children and youth.
Launched in July 2022, OhioRISE was designed to address deep gaps in care for young people with the most complex behavioral health needs. By creating a network of support that connects families with care management entities across the state, the program has redefined how Ohio families navigate services for children who need intensive, ongoing help.
“OhioRISE is giving hope to children and families who have faced enormous challenges,” said Governor DeWine. “This program is another example of our commitment to ensure all children have the resources they need to reach their full potential. Today we celebrate the progress OhioRISE has made in three years, and we look forward to even more growth in the years ahead.”
When OhioRISE began, about 5,500 youth were receiving specialized behavioral health services through Medicaid. Now, three years later, nearly 50,000 youth are benefitting from services such as home-based intensive care, in-state residential treatment, and behavioral health respite care.
Building a Statewide Network of Support
The OhioRISE program functions through collaboration with 18 regional care management entities (CMEs), coordinated under Aetna Better Health of Ohio. Care coordinators act as community-based experts, guiding families through personalized case management plans that address emotional, behavioral, and physical health needs.
ODM Director Maureen Corcoran highlighted the individualized nature of the program, saying, “OhioRISE is not a one-size-fits-all program. It is about building capacity in communities, empowering families, and developing services that meet each child where they are from the most rural areas to our largest cities. Together, we are changing the life trajectory for these young people and their families.”
Real Impact on Families
The difference OhioRISE has made is evident in stories like that of Rochelle Montes of West Chester, whose autistic teen experienced a crisis that led the family to connect with OhioRISE through Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
“Had we not had that crisis happen I don’t know that we would have known about OhioRISE,” said Montes. “They came to our home and assessed my son and it was not long before I could start to see the pieces fall together with what OhioRISE had to offer, and it was such a blessing to our family and just what we needed.”
Expanding Services Statewide
In its third year, OhioRISE continues to expand to meet the growing needs of families. Earlier this year, Governor DeWine and ODM announced the statewide rollout of Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), which will soon be available in all 88 Ohio counties. MRSS ensures that trained crisis teams can respond in person within 60 minutes of a call, offering immediate stabilization and follow-up care.
Other expansions include Intensive Home-Based Treatment now available in 77 counties, the opening of three in-state psychiatric residential treatment facilities for the most severe cases, and the participation of more than 150 organizations and family-selected providers offering behavioral health respite care. These services aim to keep children thriving at home and in school while reducing reliance on hospitalizations or costly out-of-state placements.
As OhioRISE enters its fourth year, officials say the program will remain a cornerstone of Governor DeWine’s Children’s Initiative, supported by the Governor’s Family and Children First Cabinet Council. The initiative ensures that systems from mental health to juvenile justice work together to meet the diverse and complex needs of Ohio’s children.
Families who want to learn more about eligibility can call the Aetna OhioRISE Member Hotline at 833-711-0773 or visit the program online at managedcare.medicaid.ohio.gov/OhioRISE.
OhioRISE has already reshaped the landscape of behavioral health care in the state, and leaders believe its continued growth will give thousands more children the chance to reach their full potential in the years to come.
