Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Medicaid Transformation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Martin County officials briefed on Medicaid managed‑care rollout, county slated for February 2020 transition
Summary
DSS Director Letecia Loadholt told the Board that North Carolina will move Medicaid to managed care with Martin County in Region 6 scheduled to roll out in February 2020; residents will receive welcome packets after Sept. 2, open enrollment begins Oct. 14, and automatic plan assignments occur Dec. 13, 2019. Local staff expect increased workload and plan to contract for nonemergency transportation.
DSS Director Letecia Loadholt told the Martin County Board of Commissioners on July 10 that North Carolina is shifting its Medicaid program from fee‑for‑service to a managed‑care model administered by prepaid health plans.
Loadholt said four prepaid health plans will operate statewide: AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, UnitedHealthcare of North Carolina and Wellcare of North Carolina. She said Martin County is in Region 6 and is scheduled to roll into managed care in February 2020.
"After September 2, 2019, beneficiaries would begin receiving welcome packets and a letter, along with the ability to select a provider or plan," Loadholt said. She added that open enrollment begins Oct. 14, 2019, and that automatic plan assignments will be completed for beneficiaries who have not selected a plan by Dec. 13, 2019. Members are expected to receive insurance cards between December 2019 and February 2020.
Loadholt flagged several likely local impacts: higher workloads for Income Maintenance Caseworkers who help residents with eligibility and enrollment; potential confusion among beneficiaries about choosing a plan; and the need to contract with providers to continue nonemergency medical transportation services under managed care. She said county staff will prepare contracts for Board approval in the coming months.
Commissioner Ronnie Smith acknowledged Loadholt’s expertise and raised practical concerns about the transition. Loadholt said a state call center will be available to beneficiaries but emphasized that local DSS staff will continue to help residents who need in‑person assistance.
The presentation did not require Board action; it concluded with an invitation to the community to a ribbon‑cutting for the Martin County Transit relocation on Ray Street scheduled for July 24, 2019 at 11 a.m.
Why it matters: Moving to managed care alters how services are authorized and paid, affects beneficiaries’ choices of providers, and typically shifts administrative burdens to local eligibility staff. Martin County officials are preparing for additional casework and contracting needs ahead of the February 2020 rollout.
