Bark devices are now available through OhioRISE

Big news for Ohio families: Bark devices are now approved for purchase through Medicaid in Ohio. Families enrolled in OhioRISE can now get a Bark Phone or Bark Watch through Aetna’s Customized Goods & Services (flex funds) pathway, often at no out-of-pocket cost when the device is tied to your child’s Child and Family-Centered Care Plan.

What this means for Ohio families: If your child is enrolled in OhioRISE, you can now add a Bark device to their care plan using flex funds (up to $1,500 a year). The Bark Watch is a great starting point for younger kids or those who do best with a simple, structured device (talk, text, and location tracking, with no internet or social media). The Bark Phone is built for youth ready for more independence, with monitoring across 30+ alert categories, approved contacts, and screen-time controls that expand as skills grow. In studies of Bark families, 91% reported real improvements within just a few months: more independence, stronger social connections, and better understanding of digital social cues.

Helpful resources:

• Bark for Ohio families — full details on devices, pricing, and how the OhioRISE pathway works
• Provider flyer (PDF) — for care coordinators and county agency reps
• Watch the video — see how Bark supports safety and independence for OhioRISE youth

FAQ

Who qualifies for a Bark device through OhioRISE?
Youth who are enrolled in OhioRISE (ages 0–20 at enrollment) with Ohio Medicaid eligibility, and whose Child and Family-Centered Care Plan includes goals a Bark Phone or Bark Watch can support such as safety monitoring, community participation, or social-emotional well-being. This is particularly well-suited to youth who also have an ASD/IDD diagnosis.

How do I actually get a device?

1. Talk to your OhioRISE care coordinator about adding a Bark Phone or Bark Watch to your child’s care plan.
2. Your county agency rep submits a short electronic request with the device you’ve chosen.
3. Bark provides a 12-month invoice; your care coordinator submits it with the care plan to Aetna for approval (typically within about a week).
4. Your Bark Phone or Bark Watch ships directly to you, with setup help and a walkthrough from the Bark team.
5. Coverage renews annually – Bark sends a renewal request at the 12-month mark.

What does it cost?
When the device is part of your child’s care plan, it comes at no out-of-pocket cost to your family, covered through the $1,500/year flex-fund allocation. An optional device-protection plan is also available and is often covered by state agencies.

What’s the difference between the Bark Watch and Bark Phone?
The Bark Watch is a simple first device: talk, text, and location tracking, with no internet, apps, or social media. The Bark Phone is a full smartphone with tamper-proof parental controls, AI-powered content monitoring, and screen-time schedules that expand as your child builds independence.

I’m a provider or care coordinator – what should I do?
Check out the provider flyer for a rundown on fit criteria and the request process, or email andrea.bucci@bark.us to get a member started.

Who do I contact with questions?
Email andrea.bucci@bark.us, or get in touch here and the Bark team will help you figure out if this is the right fit for your child’s plan.