Many on Medicaid in Ohio face new drug co-pays

CLEVELAND (AP) — New prescription copayments and other changes are now in effect for many people covered by the Ohio Medicaid program’s managed care plans.

Most of the 1.5 million Ohio residents in Medicaid managed care are members of groups exempted from the new charges, including children under 21, pregnant women and those in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes.

About 400,000 Medicaid enrollees, however, must now pay up to $3 for a nongeneric prescription.

The changes that began today are expected to save the state budget about $243 million on Medicaid, the tax-funded health care for the poor.

New cards have been mailed to everyone enrolled in the state’s seven Medicaid managed care plans, and all prescriptions must be reauthorized.