The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services launched a health plan specifically tailored for Medicaid-enrolled children, youth and young adults, dubbed Healthy Blue Care Together, Dec. 1.
The statewide health plan — formed in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina — focuses on Medicaid-enrolled youth and young adults from the state’s child welfare system.
The plan builds off standard plan coverage to include CMS-governed 1915(i) Home and Community-Based Services and resource support. The plan also covers behavioral health, residential, pharmacy, long-term, and intellectual and developmental disability services.
“This plan ensures there is a unified system of care and accountability when it comes to improving the well-being of children living with the most complex challenges,” NC Health and Human Services Secretary Devdutta Sangvai, MD, said.
Despite NC Medicaid having to cut provider rates due to a state budget shortfall, Healthy Blue Care Together was funded by the existing Medicaid budget.
About 32,000 children with a history in foster care and adults under age 26, along with their minor children, were automatically enrolled in the plan.
