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.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Fall Payer Issues Roundtable, taking place November 2–3 in Chicago, payer executives and healthcare leaders will come together to discuss value-based care, regulatory changes, cost management strategies and innovations shaping the future of payer-provider collaboration. Apply for complimentary registration now.