FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CaroMont Health Joins NC State Health Plan Network
Major Health Care System Serves Western Charlotte
(Raleigh, N.C.) – State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, and the State Health Plan (Plan) announced today that CaroMont Health has signed a contract to join the North Carolina State Health Plan Network.
CaroMont Health is a large health system that provides comprehensive medical and wellness services, including a network of physician practices, urgent care, hospice and emergency facilities, anchored by CaroMont Regional Medical Center – a 435-bed, not-for-profit hospital in Gastonia, N.C.
“We're thrilled to have CaroMont join us on our mission of creating transparency and lowering health costs," said Folwell. “They have a large footprint in North Carolina and we are grateful for their commitment to treat state workers and retirees in Gaston County and beyond. I leave every conversation with them feeling like they are aligned with us. I look forward to this partnership."
“As a community hospital, CaroMont Regional Medical Center is charged with providing high-quality care and advanced medicine on a local level," said Chris Peek, President and Chief Executive Officer for CaroMont Health. “The decision to participate in the State Health Plan Clear Pricing Project was driven by our commitment to the state employees who live and serve in our community. They are our friends, family and neighbors, and we felt an obligation to ensure they maintain access to care in-network."
CaroMont Regional Medical Center is the fourth hospital to partner with the North Carolina State Health Plan Network, joining Randolph Hospital in Asheboro, Martin General Hospital in Williamston and North Carolina Specialty Hospital in Durham.
The Plan just announced that it was increasing payments to medical providers as part of its Clear Pricing Project and reopening the sign-up period for medical providers to join the new network. The new proposal will increase reimbursements from 182 to 196 percent of Medicare on average – almost double the rate of Medicare. Urban hospitals will see their combined inpatient/outpatient ratios rise from 178 to 200 percent of Medicare on average. In total, hospitals will receive an additional $116 million.
Treasurer Folwell also said that he intends to ask the State Health Plan Board of Trustees to create an advisory committee of health care professionals and others to recommend changes going forward including the consideration of alternative payment models like bundling, Alternative Care Organizations (ACOs) and other alternative payment arrangements.
Providers should visit https://www.bluecrossnc.com/providers/ncstatehealthplannetwork for more information. Medical providers have from July 26 – August 5 to sign up. Plan members can find more information regarding the Clear Pricing Project at www.shpnc.org.
The State Health Plan, a division of the N.C. Department of State Treasurer, provides health care coverage to more than 727,000 teachers, current and former lawmakers, state university and community college personnel, active and retired state employees, and their dependents.