News
Site of Care Optimization Program Implementation for Ambetter from Buckeye Health Plan Members
Date: 02/17/26
Effective June 1, 2026, Ambetter from Buckeye Health Plan will implement a Site of Care (SOC) optimization program to support improved care delivery and cost-effectiveness for Ambetter from Buckeye Health Plan members.
Under this program, providers with members currently receiving infusions in outpatient hospital settings will be contacted to select an alternative home infusion or ambulatory infusion suite (AIS) option. Participating providers will receive outreach via fax or phone beginning in June, requesting preferred site-of-care selections for individual members.
Infusion Providers: We offer a network of infusion providers, including but not limited to: AcariaHealth, Accredo, KabaFusion, Option Care, Horizon Infusions, Soleo Health.
Visit the Find a Provider: Set Location (findaprovider.ambetterhealth.com) search tool for a complete list of contracted providers.
Program Overview
The SOC optimization program aims to transition provider-administered infusion therapies from outpatient hospitals and clinics to home-based or AIS settings, when clinically appropriate. If infusion at an outpatient facility or prescriber’s office is deemed medically necessary, the drug may still be shipped from a preferred Ambetter specialty pharmacy — such as AcariaHealth — to the administering site.
This initiative focuses on therapies for conditions such as:
- Immune globulin disorders
- Crohn’s disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriasis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Rare diseases
The goal is to ensure high-quality, cost-effective care and improve access, particularly for members in rural or underserved communities.
Why This Matters:
- Better patient experience with more convenient and comfortable settings.
- Reduced overall cost of care for patients and the healthcare system.
- Alignment with clinical and payer guidelines for appropriate SOC.
- Improved scheduling flexibility with continuity of treatment.
Your Role:
We value your partnership in helping identify and support patients who may benefit from this transition. Our SOC team will work closely with your staff to:
- Review patient eligibility based on clinical appropriateness and benefit design.
- Provide referral support to alternative sites of care.
- Ensure minimal disruption and maintain quality outcomes.
Benefits of Home Infusion:
- Reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections for immunocompromised members.¹
- Comparable safety to facility-based infusion.²
- Enhanced convenience, privacy, and comfort in a familiar setting.
- One-on-one care and continuity with a dedicated infusion nurse.
- Expanded access outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Fewer barriers related to transportation, work schedules, or childcare.
Infusion nurses are trained to:
- Monitor and support treatment adherence.
- Manage pre-medication and emergency protocols.
- Provide patient education.
- Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infection prevention guidelines.
- Deliver Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) care for children.
Contact Us
For additional information about the Site of Care optimization program or to discuss member-specific details, please contact our Site of Care Pharmacy Provider Liaison:
📧Email: CPS_UM_SOC@centene.com
📞 Phone: (866) 861-6269 (8:30am - 5:30pm ET Mon-Fri)
If the Pharmacy Provider Liaison is unavailable, please leave a voicemail and we will return the call within 1 business day.
Thank you for your continued collaboration and support. We look forward to working with you through this transition and beyond.
References:
Supatida Tengsupakul, MD; Chief Editor: Russell W Steele, MD (Updated Feb. 13, 2025). “Hospital-Acquired Infections: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology.” EMedicine. emedicine.medscape.com/article/967022-overview?form=fpf
Susman, E. (Dec. 7, 2022). ”Infliximab Maintenance Home Infusion Appears Safe.” Medpagetoday.com; MedpageToday. medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/aibd/102114