Centene’s Buckeye Health Plan has launched a new partnership with Tuesday Health to deliver expanded palliative care to Ohio Medicaid members, effective January 1, 2026. The program offers in‑person and virtual care, 24/7 clinician access, and coordinated symptom management for patients with serious illness.
The partnership combines Buckeye’s Medicaid managed‑care expertise with Tuesday Health’s interdisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, nurse practitioners and physicians. Members receive coordinated care designed to reduce avoidable hospital visits and improve quality of life for patients and caregivers.
By adding palliative services to its Medicaid portfolio, Centene aims to enhance member outcomes, lower costly acute‑care utilization, and strengthen its competitive position in Ohio’s Medicaid market. The move aligns with Centene’s broader strategy of integrating value‑based care models across its Medicaid and Medicare segments.
Tuesday Health CEO Jim Wieland said, “Our goal is simple: to make sure people living with serious illness and their caregivers feel supported every day. This partnership expands access to our care team, bringing hands‑on guidance, emotional support and proactive, in‑person clinical care.” Centene leadership has not yet issued a statement, but the partnership signals a continued focus on value‑based care and member‑centric services.
Ohio’s Medicaid program is highly competitive, with several managed‑care plans vying for market share. The partnership positions Buckeye Health Plan to differentiate its offerings and potentially reduce costly hospitalizations, which could translate into long‑term cost savings and improved member satisfaction. The collaboration also provides a platform for future expansion of value‑based care services across other states.
The partnership could serve as a model for other Medicaid plans and may attract additional value‑based care contracts, reinforcing Centene’s strategy to grow its Medicaid and Medicare businesses through innovative care delivery.
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