This week, the success of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy Opportunities Pilots was featured in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In just under three years, the first-of-its kind innovative program has been described as a "life changer" for thousands of North Carolina families. Healthy Opportunities proves the best way to lower health care costs and create healthier communities is to reduce the need for medical care in the first place.
The program addresses people’s social needs with services like food, housing, transportation and assistance related to interpersonal violence and toxic stress. It is part of a broader set of initiatives — including Medicaid Expansion, medical debt relief, behavioral health investments, SNAP and WIC maximization, and integrating physical and behavioral health – that are focused on improving the health and economic well-being of North Carolinians.
"The Healthy Opportunities Pilots are a true example of how we carry out our department’s mission to create a healthier North Carolina for all," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "As a physician, I have seen firsthand how factors outside of the exam room greatly affect whole-person health as people need food, shelter and safety to thrive. I look forward to working with the team and partners at the General Assembly to take this program statewide."
More than 819,000 services have been effectively delivered, and more than 38,000 NC Medicaid beneficiaries have enrolled across 33 predominantly rural counties in North Carolina since the Healthy Opportunities Pilots began providing services nearly three years ago. Participants are seeing the health benefits with fewer emergency room visits and hospital stays. Additionally, the state is seeing $1,020 in annual health care costs savings per Healthy Opportunities enrollee, and stronger local economies that are supported by local businesses from family farms to home repair.
"Thanks to the foresight of North Carolina lawmakers who saw the potential value and initially funded this program, people are healthier, local businesses are growing, and rural communities are stronger," said NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for NC Medicaid Jay Ludlam. "Healthy Opportunities isn’t just about lowering health care costs, it’s about keeping dollars local, building on community strengths, and making sure North Carolinians have the resources they need to stay healthy."
The Healthy Opportunities Pilots currently operate in three regions of the state with the support of three Network Leads: Access East, Inc.; Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear; and Impact Health. Healthy Opportunities in western North Carolina is a critical partner in helping people in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene recover from the damage left behind. Late last year, our partners from the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services recognized the value in this innovative approach for lowering health care cost and approved a new 1115 waiver, renewing the Pilots, and giving North Carolina the option to expand statewide and make program improvements and changes. We are working with partners at the NCGA on options for expansion, so more people are able to access the critical services the program offers.
To learn about the Healthy Opportunities Pilots and read more about how the program is benefiting people with Medicaid in North Carolina, visit the Healthy Opportunities Pilots webpage or the Healthy Opportunities Frequently Asked Questions.