Buckeye Health Plan and CareSource Receive 2026 Pinnacle Awards for Improving Health Outcomes for Members
Buckeye Health Plan honored for its efforts to reduce asthma ER visits among children; CareSource honored for its program to reduce housing instability
COLUMBUS, Ohio — CareSource and Buckeye Health Plan were named the recipients of the 2026 Pinnacle Awards, which are given annually by the Ohio Association of Health Plans (OAHP) to two of its 16 member plans. The Pinnacle Awards honor health plans for creating and implementing innovative solutions to improve engagement with and drive better health outcomes among their members.
OAHP, the association of commercial and Medicaid health plans in Ohio, presented the awards during its annual convention and trade show, which was held Tuesday and Wednesday in Columbus.
Each year, the Pinnacle Awards invite OAHP member plans — 16 companies that provide health care coverage to more than 9 million Ohioans — to submit groundbreaking initiatives for consideration. Entries are judged and winners are chosen by a panel of health industry professionals.
“These two programs show what’s possible when health plans look beyond the doctor’s office to address the conditions that shape people’s health,” said Kelly O’Reilly, president and CEO of OAHP. “By tackling unhealthy home environments and housing instability head-on, Buckeye Health Plan and CareSource are helping members avoid unnecessary emergency care and live healthier lives.”
Buckeye Health Plan: Healthy Homes Program Cuts Pediatric Asthma ER Visits by 75%
An analysis of Buckeye Health Plan’s pediatric asthma outcomes among Medicaid members revealed that children ages 5 to 17 with asthma were visiting the emergency room often and had low adherence to their controller medications. The analysis also found that some members had environmental issues, such as mold, pests and poor indoor air quality, that were contributing to poor asthma control.
In response, Buckeye developed Healthy Homes, a home-based program that pairs clinical care with environmental interventions to address the root causes of asthma flare-ups. Partnering with the Summit County Health Department and Community Action Pathways HUB, Buckeye connects members with community health workers who conduct in-home visits, complete environmental assessments and provide asthma education. Based on what they find, members may receive interventions such as pest control, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, HEPA vacuums and allergen-reducing bedding, paired with ongoing care coordination and support for other social needs.
The results have exceeded expectations: asthma-related emergency department visits among participating members dropped 75%, from 48 to 12 visits, while asthma-related healthcare costs fell 87.3%, from $37,902.67 to $4,816.52. Controller medication refill rates reached 72.2%, reflecting stronger, more consistent disease management.
“This work goes beyond reducing emergency room visits. It’s about creating brighter futures and stronger, healthier communities,” said Buckeye CEO Justin Loudon. “Our Healthy Homes program demonstrates how Buckeye extends traditional healthcare into the home. We partner with families to help children breathe easier and stay healthier so they can spend more time just being kids.”
CareSource: Housing Stability Program Prevents Homelessness and Improves Health Outcomes
CareSource won its award for its Housing Stability Program, which provides short-term financial assistance to help members avoid losing their homes. Recognizing housing instability as a key driver of poor health — disrupting access to care, employment and other basic needs — CareSource partnered with the United Way of Summit & Medina in May 2024 to launch a $300,000 pilot fund that helps at-risk members catch up on rent or secure stable housing before a housing crisis becomes a health crisis.
Through the program, eligible Medicaid and MyCare members who are facing eviction or have recently lost their housing can access $500 to $5,000 in housing-related assistance. Since the program launched, CareSource has invested more than $200,000 to assist 100 households, and 90% of participating households remained stably housed six months after leaving the program, with 86% still stable after a year.
CareSource measured the program’s impact by comparing members’ medical costs before and after they received assistance and found per-member-per-month medical costs fell 41.8% for Medicaid members and 20.4% for MyCare members who participated, evidence that stabilizing housing also stabilizes health.
“Housing stability is foundational to better health, and this program reflects CareSource’s commitment to addressing challenges before they become crises,” said David Thomas, Ohio Market President, CareSource. “By helping members remain safely housed, we can improve outcomes and reduce avoidable costs. I’m proud of the team working diligently to ensure our members have the support they need when it matters most.”
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About OAHP
The Ohio Association of Health Plans is a statewide association dedicated to working with legislators, providers, nonprofits and other partners to improve the health of Ohioans through access to quality, affordable care.
