ASHEVILLE, N.C and CHARLOTTE, N.C., June
1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Two of North Carolina's largest managed care
organizations announced today that they will consolidate in
preparation for the state's transformation to Medicaid managed
care. Vaya Health and Cardinal Innovations have already begun
transition efforts, with Vaya assuming responsibility for
coordinating services and supports for Cardinal Innovations members
once consolidated. Together, the organizations will work toward a
seamless transition focused on integrated, compassionate care for
individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders and/or
intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Vaya Health currently manages services for individuals in 22
counties in western North
Carolina. If approved by the NC Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS) and county representatives, the consolidation
will expand Vaya's operations to encompass benefits for the
individuals and counties served by Cardinal Innovations. The
proposed consolidation marks the fourth such endeavor for Vaya,
having successfully led previous mergers with New River Behavioral
Healthcare in 2007, Foothills Area MH/DD/SA Authority in 2008 and
Western Highlands Network in 2013.
Vaya's experience with transitioning members through
consolidation efforts will be especially beneficial as the state's
public health care system is undergoing a significant shift. The
first phase of NC Medicaid Transformation will launch on
July 1, 2021, with five commercial
health plans poised to manage integrated health benefits for the
majority of Medicaid enrollees. As part of the second phase of
transformation to BH and I/DD Tailored Plans, which are expected to
launch in July 2022, Vaya and
Cardinal Innovations have been preparing to evolve their operations
to offer fully integrated care for people with a serious mental
illness, a serious emotional disturbance, a severe substance use
disorder, an intellectual/developmental disability, or a traumatic
brain injury.
The consolidation of the two organizations will enable a
stronger health plan to serve individuals who receive care through
North Carolina's public health
care system. It will also bring needed stability to members in
counties served by Cardinal Innovations. The organizations are
committed to bringing the best of both together to ensure the
widest range of services, highest quality care, and unparalleled
commitment to local communities.
"We believe that when we work together to meet the needs of our
communities, we all benefit," said Brian
Ingraham, Vaya Health President & CEO. "Our number one
priority throughout this transition will be to support members,
providers and counties and avoid any disruption in care. We remain
committed to offering a successful public service option as a
Tailored Plan. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to
strengthen the public model, support our county partners and serve
even more North Carolinians on their journey toward health and
wellness."
"The passion and commitment of Vaya staff in serving our members
and communities is beyond compare," said Rick French, Vaya Health Board Chair. "The Board
of Directors is pleased to expand that work to ensure Cardinal
Innovations health plan members continue to receive quality
services and supports."
"We believe in our mission to improve the health and wellness of
our members and their families," said Trey
Sutten, Cardinal Innovations CEO. "It has become
increasingly clear that in order to deliver on that mission, we
need to consolidate with a strong organization that has a history
of meeting member and community needs and can stabilize the
disruption caused by Medicaid Transformation and county
realignments. I have known Brian and the Vaya team for years, and
know that our members, providers and communities are in the best
possible hands."
"The Board and I unequivocally support the entire team at
Cardinal Innovations," said Bryan
Thompson, Cardinal Innovations Board Chair. "While we are
saddened to reach this fork in the road, we are confident that Vaya
shares our values and is wholly committed to our members, providers
and communities."
Leadership for the two organizations will be working closely
with DHHS as well as local and state government representatives to
ensure a successful transition. The Boards for each organization
will establish a joint steering committee to guide the development
of a transition plan that puts member, provider and county needs at
the forefront of planning efforts. Vaya leadership will be visiting
with each county to hear their concerns and learn about the unique
needs of each community. Consolidation of the two entities under
Vaya Health leadership is expected to be completed by June 30, 2022.
About Vaya Health: Vaya Health is a
public managed care organization that oversees Medicaid, federal,
state and local funding for prevention, treatment and crisis
services delivered by practitioners and providers in Vaya's
contracted network. Vaya manages services and coordinates care for
individuals in 22 western North
Carolina counties, home to more than 1 million residents.
Vaya's local model ensures that each county receives individualized
attention and support to meet the unique needs of each community.
Every day, Vaya works with providers, local stakeholders and
members to develop needed services, supports and educational
programming for a healthier North
Carolina. The organization has a proven track record of
meeting or exceeding the state's clinical benchmarks and maximizing
public funds to reach more citizens per capita than any other
LME/MCO. Access to care and crisis assistance are available 24/7 at
1-800-849-6127.
About Cardinal Innovations Healthcare: Cardinal
Innovations Healthcare is a specialized health plan and care
coordinator for Medicaid recipients and the under- and uninsured in
North Carolina with complex
behavioral and special needs. Cardinal Innovations connects people
with treatment and support for mental health, intellectual and
developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders through a
network of providers in their communities. In 2020, Cardinal
Innovations administered nearly $850
million for the care of 825,000 people in the region and
invested more than $50 million to
improve support systems and to respond to the pandemic. Cardinal
Innovations also works with local governments to address public
health concerns such as homelessness, suicide prevention, child
welfare and domestic violence through education, engagement and
outreach.
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SOURCE Cardinal Innovations Healthcare