Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The end of appeals by two insurance providers fighting how North Carolina’s health department decided who would run its new Medicaid managed-care initiative means legal challenges over the awarding of the contracts are now over.
The Court of Appeals last week agreed to accept the voluntary dismissal request by the two providers that lost out on contracts awarded in 2019 by the Department of Health and Human Services. Four conventional insurers and one physician partnership received the awards to run the program, which began last July and covers 1.6 million Medicaid consumers.
My Health by Health Providers — composed of 12 local hospital systems and a New Mexico-based insurer — contended the DHHS process was flawed and biased against provider-led organizations like My Health. Aetna Better Health Care of North Carolina also challenged the process, but a Superior Court judge limited its involvement in the case. The judge last year affirmed the decision of an administrative law judge upholding DHHS award decisions.
The two providers appealed and were scheduled to participate Wednesday in oral arguments before a three-judge panel. But the groups’ lawyers asked last week that their appeal be withdrawn.
“Although My Health still believes in the merits of its appeal and the promise of provider-led managed care, My Health and its North Carolina health system owners have decided that they do not want to disturb the management of care for over 1.6 million North Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries during this global pandemic,” the motion reads. Aetna also asked for a dismissal given My Health’s decision, the motion read.
The dismissal means there are no pending challenges involving the awarding of the managed-care contracts, a DHHS spokesperson said Tuesday.
DHHS Deputy Secretary Dave Richard, who oversees Medicaid, said this week in a news release that agency leaders are “pleased at this outcome and believe it affirms the integrity and fairness of the department’s procurement process.”
Under managed care, the state Medicaid program has moved most of its recipients from a traditional fee-for-service model to one in which organizations receive fixed monthly payments for every patient its providers see and treat.
Photo via Mark Stebnicki.
Related Stories
‹
North Carolina Medicaid Patients Face Care Access Threat as Funding Impasse ContinuesNorth Carolina Medicaid patients face reduced access to services as an legislative impasse over state Medicaid funding extends further.
As NC Waits for Medicaid Expansion, Federal Provision Could Leave Some in Coverage GapNorth Carolina lawmakers came to an agreement to expand the state’s Medicaid services. But a recent change may leave some in a healthcare gap.
Medicaid Expansion Bill Debate Is Renewed in North CarolinaWritten by GARY D. ROBERTSON The North Carolina General Assembly began on Tuesday what could become the final push to expand Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of low-income adults in the state with a House measure that quickly advanced through committee with bipartisan support. The legislation scheduled for debate on the House floor Wednesday would direct […]
North Carolina Legislature Passes ‘Iryna’s Law’ After Refugee’s Stabbing DeathIn response to the stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on Charlotte’s light rail system, the North Carolina legislature gave final approval Tuesday to a criminal justice package that limits bail and seeks to ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations.
Sen. Graig Meyer Shares Updates on State Budget Impasse, Medicaid, Disaster Relief and MoreAhead of the North Carolina General Assembly reconvening, state Sen. Graig Meyer joined 97.9 The Hill to discuss several topics on his mind.
North Carolina Gov. Stein Signs Stopgap Budget Bill and Vetoes Opt-in Bill Helping School ChoiceWritten by GARY D. ROBERTSON RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed into law on Wednesday a stopgap spending measure while lawmakers remain in a state budget impasse. But he vetoed legislation that would direct state participation in a yet-implemented federal tax credit program to boost school-choice options, suggesting state Republicans acted hastily. The […]
North Carolina Lawmakers Approve Stopgap Spending Measure Amid Budget ImpasseNorth Carolina legislators gave final approval Wednesday to a stopgap spending measure while Republican leaders keep building a broad budget.
Here’s Where Jobs and Programs Are Being Cut at the Nation’s Top Health AgenciesThousands of people were laid off Tuesday at the United States' top health agencies. Here are what positions and efforts were cut.
North Carolina’s New Governor Seeks More Helene Aid, Help for Families in Legislative AddressWritten by GARY D. ROBERTSON RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — New North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein gave his first address to a joint General Assembly session Wednesday night, hitting on familiar campaign and early-term themes of helping Hurricane Helene victims, making living expenses affordable and focusing on bipartisan accomplishments. Stein delivered the biennial State of the State […]
Extra Private School Voucher Funding Gets Initial Ok From North Carolina SenateThe North Carolina Senate took the first step in clearing the waitlist for private school vouchers after passing a supplemental spending plan.
›
