Breaking down societal barriers, confronting stigmas, and delivering comprehensive care: Wayspring’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Home program is a holistic approach to combatting substance use disorder in Ohio
Nashville, Tenn. December 5, 2023 — Buckeye Health Plan has partnered with Wayspring to not only address members’ medical and behavioral substance use challenges but also identify and bridge gaps in care by supplementing existing services.
Through a holistic approach, Wayspring’s SUD Home program aims to ensure that comprehensive, value-based care is both accessible and readily available to those who need it. The program addresses all aspects of recovery, from societal stigmas to daily life challenges to a wide range of social determinants of health (SDOH) issues.
Eligible Buckeye Health Plan members who opt in to Wayspring services are paired with a dedicated care team to create individualized care plans, coordinate clinical care, and connect with peer support services. Additionally, the care team ensures members are connected to vital community resources, including, but not limited to, housing, transportation, financial assistance, and employment.
Central to Wayspring’s innovative model is the integration of clinical services into members’ care plans. Through the Wayspring Clinic, members have convenient access to addiction treatment, medical treatment, and behavioral health treatment in conjunction with therapy, provided by licensed Wayspring providers via in-person appointments and telehealth.
“Our goal with the Wayspring Clinic is to focus on conditions driving utilization,” said Dr. Michael Frost, Chief Medical Officer for Wayspring. “Through focused medical care, we meet members where they are in their recovery journey and tailor our program to their unique needs. We ensure that our members receive seamless, integrated support every step of the way, no matter what their path to recovery looks like.”
According to Ohio’s 2020 Drug Overdose Data Annual Report, the most recent report available, there was an almost 25% increase in lives lost due to unintentional drug overdoses compared to the previous year. This data, which points to the growing substance use crisis in Ohio, is the driving force behind the partnership between Wayspring and Buckeye Health Plan. By merging Buckeye’s expansive reach with Wayspring’s innovative approach to SUD care, they provide a robust support system and offer hope to the 9,500+ individuals living with SUD within Ohio’s TANF and Medicaid populations.
Buckeye is enthusiastic about the collaboration and its potential impact on Ohio’s communities. Dr. Brad Lucas, Buckeye’s Chief Medical Officer, said, ” Wayspring can transform how we address substance use disorder in Ohio. Buckeye is focused on addressing health disparities among our members and all Ohioans. By combining our strengths and resources with Wayspring, we are taking a significant step towards creating a healthier, more resilient Ohio. Together, we can empower individuals, provide comprehensive care, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those affected by SUD.”
Carter Paine, CEO of Wayspring, agrees. “Joining forces with Buckeye allows us to take our value-based SUD care model to new heights. Together, we believe we can begin to reshape the delivery of SUD care in Ohio. We’re here to change lives, break down barriers, and ensure every individual feels valued and supported on their recovery journey.”
The impact of this partnership extends far beyond the individual level, reaching deep into the Ohio communities. By addressing the substance use epidemic head-on, Wayspring and Buckeye are building a foundation of hope and a future where communities thrive, and individuals find the support and resources they deserve.
To learn more about Wayspring and the SUD Home program or to verify program eligibility, please visit wayspring.com.
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About Wayspring
Wayspring is a value-based healthcare organization that provides medical, behavioral health, and social support services to people with complex needs. With a focus on people living with substance use disorder, Wayspring utilizes a comprehensive and longitudinal model that incorporates targeted member outreach, strategic provider partnerships, community-based peer support, and delivery of clinical services. Through this unique approach, Wayspring produces increased adherence to evidence-based medicine, decreased healthcare waste, and improved health outcomes. For more information, please visit wayspring.com.
About Buckeye Health Plan
Buckeye Health Plan, a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, offers managed healthcare for Ohioans on Medicaid, Medicare, integrated Medicaid-Medicare (called MyCare Ohio) and the Health Insurance Exchange. Since 2004, Buckeye has been dedicated to improving the health of Ohioans, many with low incomes, by providing coordinated healthcare and other essential supports that individuals and families need to grow and thrive. Follow Buckeye on Twitter @Buckeye_Health and on Facebook. Buckeye is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-national healthcare enterprise offering core Medicaid, Medicare and specialty services.