Community Care of North Carolina: Putting Health Reform Ideas into Practice in Medicaid

This policy brief examines the structure and experience of Community Care of North Carolina, an enhanced medical home model of care that North Carolina began implementing in 1998 as part of its Medicaid program.

Evaluations of the initiative, which includes a heavy emphasis on care coordination, disease and care management and quality improvement, suggest that it has resulted in both improved care and cost savings.

The program provides important lessons for broader health reform efforts and demonstrates Medicaid's ability to incorporate quality improvement strategies that enhance its ability to provide coordinated, cost effective care to low-income individuals with significant health needs.

Summary (.pdf)

Policy Brief (.pdf)