CareSource completes statewide implementation of “CareSource Kids Collaborative” pediatric accountable care network

Alliance with children’s hospitals in the state creates new model to drive exceptional care

(DAYTON, Ohio – April 17, 2023) – CareSource, a leading multi-state managed care plan, announced today the completion of its strategic initiative to create a statewide network of pediatric accountable care organizations comprised of the largest children’s hospitals throughout Ohio. The alliance, named the CareSource Kids Collaborative, was designed in early 2022 to improve quality, efficiency and patient experience.

Participating hospitals include Akron Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Dayton Children’s Hospital, Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Columbus), and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital (Cleveland).

“Our collaboration with these leading children’s hospitals is an example of our commitment to continue to innovate to ensure that children receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” said Steve Ringel, CareSource Ohio market president. “This model includes value-based reimbursement programs that focus on increased quality outcomes, health equity, and appropriate best practice care.”

Over the last two years, the CareSource Kids Collaborative created a large provider network that, across the state, offers access to every level of children’s health care, from prevention services and well-child visits to the most sophisticated medical and surgical specialties. CareSource provides health benefits to nearly 670,000 children in Ohio. Models include value-based reimbursement programs that focus on increased quality outcomes, health equity, and appropriate best practice care.

“Improved access to care, care coordination and an integrated health delivery system focused on quality of care offers our members the best possible value in healthcare,” said Beejadi Mukunda, MD, chief medical officer, CareSource Ohio. “Enhancing CareSource’s strong collaboration with the top-notch children’s hospitals in Ohio in this innovative model has the potential to transform wellness and quality of care for our youngest members.”

Additionally, medical directors from all participating organizations have joined an Ohio Pediatric Workgroup to improve the overall quality and care for kids across Ohio. 

“Working collaboratively with the children’s hospitals in this new model is an emphatic step towards reshaping our youngest members’ health and improving the quality of their lives,” added Ringel. “The CareSource Kids Collaborative allows CareSource to better leverage the strengths of the children’s hospitals while providing the hospitals control of the clinical aspects of care.”