We are five months into the Long Session of the NC General Assembly (NCGA). Usually that means that we have already seen a budget proposal, but not this year. There have been many, many new bills introduced, so many of which could affect our service system in a positive way...
i2i Supporting the Quality Strategy – NC’s Opportunity to Improve Care
A Message from i2i Executive Director Ann Rodriguez
This started as an informational article about the Quality Strategy for North Carolina’s Medicaid Transformation. But I realized that what I most wanted to achieve with this article is to compel readers to become active in the formulation of the Quality Strategy.With an article, I can’t say loud enough, “Hey! This is so important!”.
Within the Quality Strategy are opportunities!Opportunity to imbed systemic mechanisms for consumer and family voice and involvement early and beyond individual treatment and supports planning. Opportunity for providers to have clarity about the quality and performance expectations in this transition. Opportunity for the public system to be strengthened and improved.
Basically, if you believe that Medicaid Transformation needs to be more than a move to stabilize the budget, then the Quality Strategy is where you make your impact. I have high hopes that this move to Medicaid managed care, and really the larger goal of moving to integrated, whole person care, could be the best thing that has happened for the users of the public system since…ever.
Medicaid Open Enrollment Wraps Up for Standard Plan – What Now?
Open enrollment for a Medicaid Managed Care began March 15 and ended May 14th, giving Medicaid recipients two months to choose the Pre-Paid Health Plan (PHP) they want as their insurance program under new Medicaid Standard Plan that will begin on July 1. For those who did not proactively choose a Standard Plan, NC DHHS will use an algorithm to auto-assign Standard Plan beneficiaries with Prepaid Health Plans and primary care practices. To assist with enrollment, a Fact Sheet was created to help enrollees understand what they should do during this period.
North Carolina Olmstead Plan and TCLI, Strengthening a Community-Based System
Looking at the North Carolina health and human services public system from the 50,000-foot level will show that there is tremendous movement toward innovation and strengthening of the community-based service system. Medicaid Transformation has been at the forefront of catalysts for shifts in the public system, but that is not the only initiative that is causing a shift in service delivery and focus on whole person care. There have also been initiatives to develop a North Carolina Olmstead Plan and a continued effort to meet the requirements of the US Department of Justice Settlement Agreement that is being done through the Transition to Community Living Initiative. These are also moving North Carolina toward a stronger community-based system.
Virtual Spring Conference: 30 Sessions & 3 Months to Watch!
The i2i Spring Conference is quickly approaching - online registration will end on June 4th! We hope you will plan to join us for what is sure to be an important event for those who will be part of the Medicaid Managed Care Implementation and Transformation taking place on July 1. Use links below to learn more:
Supporting Consumer's Work to Shape the Care Manager Role
i2i would like to thank and recognize the following organizations that made donations to support consumers working with i2i on a Collaborative that will help shape and inform NC's Care Management function.
Alliance Healthcare
AmeriHealth Caritas
Carolina Complete Health
Healthy Blue NC
Trillium Health Resources
UnitedHealthCare
WellCare of North Carolina
Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month
Here are some resource and thing to do to raise awareness during May which is Mental Health Month:
NC DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD has reviewed and approved requests by Union and Cabarrus Boards of County Commissioners to disengage from Cardinal Innovations and move to Partners - now Partners Health Management. The rules for disengaging require the Board to meet eleven requirements set out in rule before NC DHHS can approve this change. Both counties met these standards and the realignment will become official on September 1, 2021.
Two additional Cardinal counties, Stanly and Forsyth have also sent requests to NC DHHS to realign with Partners. Those requests are pending.
System Loses a Leader
Roy Wilson, Jr. retired Area Director for the former East Carolina Behavioral Health Center (now part of Trillium Health Resources) passed away at the end of March. Wilson was a caring leader of his area program and those it served. Wilson held many leadership roles as a member of the NC Council of Community Programs including: President, Board Chair, Board Member as well as serving on many important work groups and committees. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. Obituary.
What is the Future for Medicaid HCBS Waivers as a New Federal Administration Takes Shape?
Professionals who support individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities (IDD) and the frail elderly are eager to learn more about what can be expected in the Biden Administration as it reviews and implements Medicaid policy for home and community-based (HCBS) waivers and 1115 demonstrations. Expert JoAnn Lamphere, the former Deputy Commissioner of Person-Centered Supports at the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and MediSked consultant offers her perspective on what can be anticipated in the months ahead.
Combating Social Isolation & Sending North Carolinians over 3,300 PPE kits
GT Independence a national leader in financial management services for self-directed care, is just finishing a unique corporate social responsibility initiative to combat the impacts of social isolation from the pandemic. The “Care Connection Campaign” began March 1st to raise awareness of the effects of social isolation and to engage members of the public about their plans for a future ‘Care Connection Day’ with loved ones that are isolated.
GT is also proud to report the successful delivery of over 3,300 PPE health and safety kits to North Carolinian clients since January 2021, each containing a digital thermometer, face shields, gloves, hand sanitizers, masks, and wipes. This made a huge impact on families both in North Carolina and across the United States.
