OH Pulse – January 20, 2026

Jan 20, 2026

Next Generation MyCare Program Launches in 29 Counties with Statewide Expansion Ahead
The Ohio Department of Medicaid activated the enhanced Next Generation MyCare program on January 1, 2026, automatically enrolling dual-eligible Ohioans (full Medicaid + Medicare Parts A/B/D, age 21+) in coordinated plans from Anthem, CareSource, Molina, and Buckeye; it delivers all traditional benefits plus extras like improved transportation, in-home providers, faster prior authorizations, and long-term services, with former waiver participants transitioned to the MyCare Ohio Waiver and full statewide rollout continuing April–August 2026.
Ohio Department of Medicaid – Next Generation MyCare Program
Ohio MyCare Phase 2 County map

Cleveland Clinic’s Level 1 Trauma Center Plan Sparks Fierce Pushback from MetroHealth
Cleveland Clinic announced it will seek American College of Surgeons verification for an adult and pediatric Level 1 trauma center at its main campus by 2028—aiming to cut hundreds of annual out-of-system transfers, relieve pressure on MetroHealth (already handling ~6,000 trauma visits/year, triple the state average), and integrate with the $1.1B Neurological Institute opening in 2027—prompting MetroHealth to warn that three Level 1 centers in Greater Cleveland would harm patient outcomes, inflate community costs, and revive old rivalries last seen when University Hospitals added its center in 2015.
cleveland.com – Clinic Plan Draws Swift MetroHealth Criticism

MetroHealth CEO Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager Joins Ohio Hospital Association Board
Dr. Alexander-Rager, MetroHealth President & CEO since 2024 and a family medicine physician with deep roots in community programs (School Health, homeless outreach), was appointed to the Ohio Hospital Association Board of Trustees for a three-year term as Trustee-at-Large.
MetroHealth – Dr. Alexander-Rager OHA Appointment
OHA Names New 2026 Committee Chairs and Thanks Outgoing Leaders
New leadership includes Matt Akers (OhioHealth) chairing the Safety Council, Rob Montagnese (Licking Memorial) heading the Institute for Health Innovation Board, Christy Stansfield (ProMedica) leading Admitting, Billing & Collections, and others stepping up for key committees.
Ohio Hospital Association – New Committee Chairs Announcement

Cleveland Clinic + Strolll Deploy AI-Augmented Reality to Help Parkinson’s Patients Walk
Cleveland Clinic partnered with Strolll on an Azure-powered AI + mixed-reality platform that analyzes gait in real time and provides adaptive visual cues to overcome freezing-of-gait in Parkinson’s, scaling from hospital research to at-home use for improved mobility and independence.
Microsoft for Startups – AI Healthcare Collaborations (Strolll + Cleveland Clinic case)

University Hospitals Opens Advanced Breast Center at UH TriPoint Medical Center
The new Concord Township facility consolidates 3D mammography, upright stereotactic biopsy, dedicated breast ultrasound, and high-level diagnostics in one location to improve coordination and reduce travel for Lake and Geauga County patients, with contrast-enhanced mammography coming in 2026 and a $39M regional cancer hub planned for fall 2026.
WKYC – UH TriPoint Breast Center Opens
Kettering Health Main Campus & Soin Earn U.S. News High Performing Maternity Rating
Both hospitals received the top 2026 designation from U.S. News & World Report for maternity care based on low C-section rates, strong newborn outcomes, breastfeeding support, and equity measures.
Kettering Health – 2026 Maternity High Performing Recognition

OH Pulse curates the week’s most consequential Ohio healthcare developments — sharp, connected, never just links.

Sources: Ohio Department of Medicaid, cleveland.com, MetroHealth, Ohio Hospital Association, Microsoft for Startups, WKYC, Kettering Health