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VIA briefs Alexander County commissioners on Medicaid enrollment, rural health grant and local programs
Summary
Zach Shepherd of VIA updated commissioners on Medicaid enrollment in Alexander County, the federal rural health transformation funding opportunity, and local behavioral-health projects and grants. He warned of potential state-level Medicaid funding reductions affecting VIA.
Zach Shepherd, VIA Community Relations regional director, told the Alexander County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 6 that VIA currently serves 1,022 residents on its Medicaid direct plan and 902 on the tailored plan, for a county total of 1,924 enrollees.
Shepherd summarized a federal rural health transformation grant program that he said would provide $50 billion over five years nationwide; he described the first half as split evenly among states and estimated North Carolina’s initial share at about $100 million, with additional allocations decided at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ discretion. He said North Carolina’s application to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is being prepared with a target submission date the end of December, and funds would begin rolling out in fiscal 2026.
Shepherd told the board that a recent state "mini budget" could reduce VIA’s funding by about $6 million and that the North Carolina Council of Community Health Plans has urged the governor not to implement proposed provider rate reductions. He also noted the child and family specialty plan will go live Dec. 1, 2025, and will be administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.
Local programs highlighted included the Shirley B. Randleman facility ribbon cutting — now operated by Daymark Recovery Services — and VIA’s ongoing Hope for NC grant to support residents affected by Hurricane Helene. Shepherd said the Hope for NC services are free, anonymous and available without a health-plan requirement and provided a helpline number for residents seeking support.
Commissioners thanked VIA for outreach and publicity about services. Commissioner Herman emphasized continuing attention to mental health funding and workforce support in rural areas.
