Community Care of North Carolina

01/07/2026

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Cervical cancer screening helps prevent cancer or catch it early, when it is easier to treat. Remind patients to make time for screening – it is an important step to protect their health and future!

01/05/2026

The next Community Care CONNECTED monthly group meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 8.

This meeting will discuss getting members in for care, CCPN program offerings, and 2026 quality and shared savings.

Registration links were sent out in the member newsletter. Not yet a member? Contact programs@communitycarenc.org to learn more.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year to all our members, patients, and providers across North Carolina. The start of a new year is a great time to build healthy habits and check in on your well-being.

Wishing you a healthy and positive 2026.

12/29/2025

CCNC and CCPN launched the Community Care Recruitment Scholarship Program in 2025 to support primary care clinicians serving rural and underserved communities across North Carolina.

The program offers unrestricted funds to help recruit physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants into independent primary care practices that serve vulnerable populations, including Medicaid and Medicare patients.

The 2026 application cycle is now open through Feb. 28, 2026. Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/495pKUh

For questions, email mentorship@communitycarenc.org.

12/25/2025

Happy holidays to all our members, patients, and providers across North Carolina. CCNC wishes you and your loved ones a safe and joyful holiday season.

We are grateful to be part of communities across the state.

12/23/2025

Aetna ’s behavioral health access program for NC state health plan members begins Jan. 1, 2026.

Behavioral health providers in specialty practices and medical homes were asked to execute the BHAP amendment with Aetna by Dec. 2. If you missed that deadline and have questions about what comes next, help is available.

Members can email CCPNSupport@communitycarenc.org to learn more about this transition.

12/22/2025

Last month in Raleigh, clinicians, policymakers, payers, and advocates gathered for the 2025 Collaborative Care Model Policy Summit to focus on what is next for Collaborative Care at both the state and federal levels.

That work is translating into real progress. Since Oct. 1, 2024, CCPN has helped bring 38 new practices into the collaborative care model, supported through the NCDHHS CoCM Capacity Building funding opportunity.

If your practice is interested in adopting this evidence-based approach to integrating behavioral health into primary care, learn more here: https://bit.ly/483fE5m

12/19/2025

With the holidays around the corner, many families will begin shopping for gifts. December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, a reminder from the American Public Health Association to make sure toys are safe and age appropriate, especially for infants and children under age 3. Choosing gifts that fit a child’s abilities and developmental stage can prevent injuries and support healthy play.

This is a great message for pediatric and family practices to share with parents and guardians this season. More information: https://bit.ly/4s1Re5G

12/17/2025

CCPN recently held an educational session on Ventricle Health, a virtual cardiology network that uses heart failure specialists, nurses, and pharmacists to support better outcomes and lower costs for patients with cardiac conditions.

Through its virtual platform and advanced remote patient monitoring tools, Ventricle Health tracks vital signs and symptoms in real time. A dedicated cardiologist and care team work together to guide treatment and keep patients stable.

Ventricle Health is now in-network with Blue Cross NC , making all CCPN Blue Premier practices eligible to participate.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4aQOrpT

Ventricle Health is a national, value-based cardiology provider network that increases access to care, improves outcomes, and reduces costs for people with heart failure and other cardiac conditions.

12/15/2025

North Carolina has officially launched the Children and Families Specialty Plan (CFSP), the first Medicaid plan in the state tailored for children, youth, and young adults involved in the foster care system. As of Dec. 1, about 32,000 people were automatically enrolled.

The CFSP ensures seamless, coordinated care no matter where a child or youth is placed. It helps prevent gaps during treatment transitions, adoption, adulthood, or changes in Medicaid eligibility. All members receive care management to support whole-person care.

If your CCPN practice is interested in participating, reach out to your provider relations representative.

More information is available here: https://bit.ly/3E6d9V5

NC Medicaid Children and Families Specialty Plan (CFSP) is a statewide plan for children in foster care. Also know as North Carolina's Specialized Foster Care Plan or FC Plan. This page includes fact sheets and policy papers on the NC Medicaid Children and Families Specialty Plan.

12/12/2025

With food prices climbing and the recent federal shutdown affecting families across the state, many local food banks are seeing a significant increase in demand. As you plan for the holidays, please consider adding your local food pantry to your giving list.

This month, CCNC will make contributions to:
• Manna Food Bank in Western North Carolina
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina in the Triad
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in Charlotte
• Urban Ministries in the Triangle
• The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina

Will your CCPN practice volunteer this season? We would love to highlight your efforts. Share a team photo and a brief description of your activity for a chance to be featured in our newsletter.

Send submissions to CCNCcommunications@communitycarenc.org.

12/10/2025

Medicaid rate cuts continue to be a big concern for medical practices across North Carolina. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4a4R2MM

CCNC and CCPN remain aligned with provider groups across the state in urging policymakers to reverse these reductions. Watch for updates in our member newsletter.

“These practices in rural areas — after a while, they may not be able to survive if this goes on,” said Gregory K. Griggs, NC Academy of Family Physicians CEO. “And once they’re gone, they’re not opening back up."