Agency on Aging loses provider contract

LIMA — Area Agency on Aging 3 is facing restructuring in the coming months due to a nonrenewal of a private provider contract. AAA 3, which is headquartered in Lima, has been under contract to provide 19 counties throughout Western Ohio with case management services since 2018, according to a news release issued by the agency. The privately held contract company will no longer provide these services and has tendered nonrenewal to several other organizations. Due to the contract's nonrenewal, the agency will be reducing staff numbers on July 1. "This is impacting employees that have served Area Agency on Aging 3 loyally over the years. At this time, we have to shift our concentration back to our original 7-county service area, that includes Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Putnam and Van Wert counties," said Jacqi Lucke, CEO of the agency. "Our mission remains the same and will always be about the individuals we serve." A new provider will be selected, and individuals will continue to receive services, states the release. "With all loss, there is opportunity when you look to the future," Lucke said. For the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, the agency will be gearing up for the transition to the Next Generation MyCare Program in Ohio. This program will work with individuals who are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid benefits and will integrate them into one program operated by a managed care plan. MyCare Ohio is currently in 29 counties across Ohio providing healthcare coverage and will be expanding the Next Generation MyCare program across the state throughout 2026. Along with the traditional PASSPORT and Assisted Living Waiver Programs, Area Agency on Aging 3 will also provide Care Management Services under the Next Generation MyCare program. The Ohio Department of Medicaid will attend community events around the state, like health expos and resource fairs, to help spread the word and answer questions about the program. In addition to these events, ODM will meet with community members, caregivers and advocates across the state through informational community visits. Area Agency on Aging 3 was founded in 1974 with the mission to provide resources that inspire, educate and empower older adults, persons with disabilities and family caregivers, the release states. In 2014, Area Agency on Aging 3 had expanded to cover Champaign, Clark, Darke, Logan, Miami, Preble and Shelby counties. The agency again expanded in 2019, adding Butler, Clinton, Greene, Montgomery and Warren counties.