OH Pulse – January 05, 2026
2026 | Issue 1 – Rural Access • Behavioral Health • Workforce Innovation
Trendline Health | OH Pulse | 2026 | Issue 1
Policy & Regulation
Ohio Secures $200M+ in Federal Rural Health Transformation Funding
Gov. Mike DeWine announced Ohio will receive over $200 million from CMS (part of a $50B national, 5-year program) to expand rural care access, but state lawmakers push for direct aid to struggling independent rural hospitals facing negative margins.
Cleveland.com / CMS
Pharmacists Gain Potential Prescribing Power for Minor Conditions
House Bill 629, introduced by Reps. Tim Barhorst and Jennifer Gross, would let pharmacists treat Ohioans 13+ for issues like flu, strep, COVID-19, UTIs, and lice — a major win for rural access where primary care shortages leave just 42 providers per 100,000 residents.“Rural Ohioans shouldn’t have to wait to access care. This bill allows pharmacists to step in to test and treat certain conditions, giving patients access to the care they need.” –Rep. Jennifer Gross
2026 Senate Race Heats Up Over ACA Subsidies and Health Costs
Incumbent Sen. Jon Husted (R) calls for conditional extensions of premium tax credits with anti-fraud measures, while challenger former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) slams Husted’s votes against restoration — as over 513,000 Ohioans brace for premium spikes after subsidies expired.
WOUB / Statehouse News Bureau
Growth & Finance
Bon Secours Mercy Health Returns to Profitability
The system posted $22.2M operating income (0.6% margin) in Q3 2025, a sharp turnaround from last year’s $46.5M loss, fueled by higher patient volumes and better Medicaid reimbursements.
Becker’s Hospital ReviewOhioHealth Acquires Hilliard’s Mill Run Innovation Center
The health system purchased the facility for $23M, signaling continued expansion in central Ohio’s growing suburbs.
Columbus Business First
Innovation & Tech
OhioHealth Rolls Out Comprehensive Addiction Medicine Program in Southeast Ohio
Backed by a $3M HRSA grant, the Athens-based initiative integrates hospital care, telemedicine, medication-assisted treatment, and community partnerships (including recovery houses and shelters) to close rural SUD treatment gaps.“This program fills a critical gap in treatment resources for the region. We now have the ability to provide comprehensive care that connects hospital services with community support organizations, eliminating gaps in care and helping individuals access treatment and recovery services.” –Dr. Vinayak Shukla
New UH Urgent Care Clinic Opens in Broadview Heights
University Hospitals launched a 12,000-sq-ft facility as part of a multi-building development to ease ER burdens and provide convenient non-emergent care.
Cleveland.com
Workforce & Leadership
Gov. DeWine Nominates Tia Marcel Moretti as Behavioral Health Director
With 25 years in community mental health and addiction services, Moretti (former Interim Director and RecoveryOhio Deputy) will lead the state’s behavioral health system.“I am truly humbled by the Governor’s nomination and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving alongside the dedicated and passionate team at DBH. Together, we will keep working to ensure every Ohioan has the support they need to be well, get well and stay well.” –Tia Marcel Moretti
Sources: Cleveland.com, Athens Messenger, WOUB, NBC4 WCMH-TV, Becker’s Hospital Review, Cleveland.com Business, Times Leader, Correctional News, Mahoning Matters, WFMJ, Columbus Business First, OhioHealth Newsroom, and additional statewide reporting.
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