Centene's Buckeye Health Plan Expands in Ohio: A Boon for Dual-Eligible Members

Buckeye Health Plan, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, has been awarded a contract to serve dual-eligible Medicare and Medicaid members in Ohio. This development is a significant step towards enhancing healthcare access and quality for Ohio's vulnerable population. This article explores the implications of this contract award, Buckeye's expansion plans, and the potential impact on Centene's market position and growth prospects.

Buckeye Health Plan's new contract allows the company to continue providing Medicare and Medicaid services for dually eligible individuals through a Fully Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (FIDE SNP). This integration of care under a single managed care organization enables enrollees to receive all their medical, behavioral, and long-term services and supports through one plan. This approach simplifies the healthcare experience for members, improves care coordination, and promotes better health outcomes.

Under the new contract, Buckeye will deploy innovative initiatives to meet members' unique needs, addressing barriers to healthcare and critical social drivers of health. These initiatives include the launch of new technologies and local programs in partnership with providers and community partners. By leveraging its local approach and member-focused programs, Buckeye aims to uniquely address the needs of Ohio residents and ensure access to comprehensive, quality healthcare.

Buckeye's expansion into the Next Generation MyCare Ohio Program in 2026 and statewide expansion in 2027 will significantly impact its member base and market share. Currently serving over 9,000 members across 12 counties, Buckeye's reach will expand to 29 counties in 2026, potentially doubling its member base. By 2027, a statewide expansion could triple Buckeye's market share, providing care to over 27,000 dually eligible members. This growth aligns with Centene's strategy to diversify its portfolio and mitigate sector-specific pressures, reinforcing the author's confidence in the company's long-term potential.


Buckeye's partnership with the Ohio Department of Medicaid and local providers and caregivers is crucial to its success in the Ohio market. By working together, they can address members' unique needs and remove barriers to care. The new contract allows Buckeye to deploy innovative initiatives, such as new technologies and local programs, in collaboration with providers and community partners. This local approach has been successful for Buckeye in the past, as it was Ohio's fastest-growing Medicaid plan in 2020, serving over 420,000 members. By leveraging local expertise and resources, Buckeye can better tailor care to the needs of Ohio residents, ensuring comprehensive, quality healthcare.

Buckeye faces potential challenges in the Ohio market, including the need to integrate services for dual-eligible Medicare and Medicaid members under a single plan and managing increased medical costs. To mitigate these risks, Buckeye can leverage its experience serving this population for over a decade and deploy innovative initiatives to address barriers to healthcare and critical social drivers of health. By focusing on local partnerships with providers and community organizations, Buckeye can improve care coordination and promote independence for its members. Additionally, Buckeye's parent company, Centene, can utilize its diversified portfolio to help offset pressures from rising medical costs, ensuring sustainable growth for Buckeye and its stakeholders.


In conclusion, Buckeye Health Plan's contract award to serve dual-eligible Medicare and Medicaid members in Ohio is a significant development for the company and its members. By leveraging its local approach and innovative initiatives, Buckeye aims to uniquely address the needs of Ohio residents and ensure access to comprehensive, quality healthcare. As Buckeye expands its reach statewide, it will not only enhance its market position and growth prospects but also contribute to Centene's long-term success.