Changes to Medicaid requirements will take effect on Nov. 1, 2019. While most recipients will see no changes to the services they have been receiving, enrollment through a health plan will be required.
A health plan – through Medicaid – is a group of doctors, hospitals and other providers that will work together to provide healthcare to meet collective needs. The goal is for every medical service – physical health, mental health and medicine – to come through the same healthcare plan. A primary care provider (PCP) should also be selected to assist with health care needs, which could be in the form of a family doctor, clinic or other health care provider.
Granville County is in the first phase of the Medicaid transformation, with recipients to be enrolled by a Sept. 13 deadline.
Recipients who already have a primary care provider may keep the one they already have or choose a new one. If a PCP or health plan is not selected before Sept. 13, the Granville County Department of Social Services offers a reminder that one will be chosen for you; however, depending on the type of health services needed, a small number of recipients will be able to continue enrollment through NC Medicaid Direct.
A series of informational and enrollment events have been scheduled through the Granville County Department of Social Services to guide local Medicaid recipients through the process of determining eligibility and/or selecting a health plan and primary care provider. These sessions will be held in various locations across the county and are scheduled for:
· July 31, 9:30 until 11:30 a.m., Granville County Expo and Convention Center, 4185 Hwy. 15 in Oxford;
· Aug. 9, 2 until 4 p.m., Granville County Expo and Convention Center, 4185 Hwy. 15 in Oxford;
· Aug. 14, 9 until 11 a.m., Granville County Senior Services, 107 Lanier Street in Oxford; and
· Aug. 23, 10 until 11:30 a.m., South Granville Country Club, 2539 Sam Moss Hayes Road, Creedmoor (temporary location for South Granville Senior Center).
Participants are asked to bring valid identification or the notification letter sent from the Department of Health and Human Services which states, “there will be a new way to get Medicaid Health Care.” It is also recommended that recipients who are senior citizens should bring a trusted family member or friend to assist in the selection process.
If unable to attend any of these events, an outreach specialist is available for assistance at the Granville County Department of Social Services, 410 West Spring Street in Oxford, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Assistance will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services notes that there are several health plans Medicaid recipients can choose from. To learn more about the health plans available in NC Medicaid Managed Care, visit ncmedicaidpland.gov/choose/compareplans.
For a list of doctors for each health plan, or to enroll, visit ncmedicaidplans.gov, use the NC Medicaid Managed Care mobile app or call 1-833-870-5500. A language line is also available.
For eligibility information or for questions about Medicaid’s new requirements, contact Beverly Ferrell, Granville County Department of Social Services, at 919-693-1511.
