A Message from NCTracks on Behalf of NC Medicaid Trillium Health Resources and Eastpointe Human Services Agreement

Earlier this week, Trillium Health Resources and Eastpointe Human Services, which was already in the process of merging with Sandhills Center came together in mutual agreement to build on their collective strengths and administer state and Medicaid-funded MH/SUD/IDD/TBI services and supports in 46 counties in the combined region, effective January 1, 2024. This is in keeping with the direction the Department gave several months ago and the Secretary has approved this consolidation, minus the three counties previously part of Sandhills, which were realigned already. 

The Department is grateful for the leadership and staff of Trillium, Eastpointe, and Sandhills for working together to forge a new consolidated organization that will leverage the strengths of each entity. We are confident that this agreement will reinforce and enhance the existing good work to serve members and beneficiaries in this region of the state. NC Health News wrote about this agreement as part of a series on changes and consolidation in the public behavioral health system.

For members and providers, the consolidation transition will occur on February 1, 2024. Under the agreement, Trillium was named the surviving entity of consolidation; Joy Futrell was named as the CEO; and Sarah Stroud was named President and ex-officio member of the Trillium Board of Directors. No later than January 2025, this new consolidated entity will re-brand under a new name.

Over the next few weeks, Trillium and DHHS will be releasing additional guidance to the field on next steps for consolidation, but will be focused on ensuring the following goals:

  • A smooth transition for providers into Medicaid managed care and a smooth transition for beneficiaries moving into a new LME/MCO and transitioning to a Tailored Plan on 7/1/2024.
  • Members continue to receive care today – LME/MCOs will honor transition of care for members in ongoing course of treatment and utilize this consolidation effort to enable better access and ultimately better care over the long-term for beneficiaries. 
  • Providers continue to contract with the LME/MCO for Medicaid Direct, Tailored Plan services, and State-Funded services if they have not already contracted with as catchment areas change. 

A link to the announcement earlier this week can be found at https://www.trilliumhealthresources.org/sites/default/files/docs/News-Release/121823-Consolidation-Announcement-Joint-Final.pdf