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This week, NCDHHS began contacting up to 300,000 people via text messages, calls and emails who are enrolled in Medicaid’s limited family planning program to let them know they will be eligible for full NC Medicaid benefits starting Dec. 1.
Up to 300,000 people who are enrolled in Medicaid’s limited family planning program will receive a letter from their local Department of Social Services (DSS) letting them know they will receive full coverage on Dec. 1. They will also receive a packet from their health plan that includes a new Medicaid ID card. Additionally, anyone with health coverage through HealthCare.gov will need to cancel their plan once they are enrolled in NC Medicaid.
Not everyone with limited family planning program benefits will be automatically enrolled in full coverage through NC Medicaid. Some people may have income that exceeds the new Medicaid eligibility levels, even though qualifying income levels are higher than in the past. If your income has recently changed and you think you may be eligible, update your information in ePASS or by contacting your local DSS.
For more information about expanded eligibility for NC Medicaid, go to the NCDHHS website where you will find a toolkit of resources for organizations to spread the word to their communities. |
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| State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson urges you to stay up-to-date on your fall vaccines by getting the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Visit MySpot.nc.gov for locations near you. |
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Youth Behavioral Health Hospital Opens in Butner
This week, NCDHHS and UNC Health celebrated the opening of UNC Hospitals Youth Behavioral Health, a 54-bed facility in Butner that will provide acute hospital care for children and teens in psychiatric crisis. The facility expects to begin treating patients by the end of the month. UNC Hospitals Youth Behavioral Health is an inpatient hospital that will offer a first-of-its-kind model of mental health care for children and adolescents. Formerly the R.J. Blackley Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center, UNC Health partnered with NCDHHS to convert it into a new facility. Each day in North Carolina, well over 250 people are waiting for behavioral health services in emergency departments, including more than 50 children and adolescents. A team of more than 200 care teammates from UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine will provide evidence-based treatment at the new facility. |
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Side-by-Side Webinar with Division of MH/DD/SUS
Join staff from NCDHHS' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services on Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. to learn more about policies and programs that affect the Mental Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Substance Use Services, and Traumatic Brain Injury community. The goal of these monthly webinars is to bring everyone together in one (virtual) place to share ideas for public policy that will improve the lives of North Carolinians. This group includes consumers, families, advisory groups, LME/MCOs, community members and partner organizations. Register for the meeting and see a flyer (Spanish) for more information. |
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Find Support to Quit Smoking, Manage Stress and Access Health Screenings
NCDHHS hosted a tele-town hall on Nov. 2 to discuss how people can access support to help quit smoking, vaping or using tobacco, as well as other ways they can care for their health and manage stress. Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death and disease in North Carolina. Smoking is a particularly major risk factor for lung cancer with 80% of all lung cancer caused by cigarette smoking. Additionally, people who smoke are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses, including flu and COVID-19. Programs like QuitlineNC in North Carolina connect individuals with resources to help themselves or loved ones quit commercial tobacco use. Watch a recording of the event to find resources and support to help you quit smoking, ways to reduce stress, and the importance of preventive screenings.
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Inclusion Works Lunch and Learn
Don't miss a Lunch and Learn about supporting people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injury to gain Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) on Nov. 15 from noon to 1 p.m. This month’s agenda topic is Pre-Employment Transition Services. You can register here. Learn more about Inclusion Works on the NCDHHS website. |
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