What You Should Know:
– Alliance Health, a managed care organization serving over 137,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in North Carolina, announced a new partnership with Cityblock, a value-based healthcare provider for Medicaid and dually eligible individuals.
– The strategic collaboration aims to improve access to comprehensive, integrated medical and behavioral health care for members with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder.
Serving the Most Vulnerable
Alliance Health prioritizes ensuring timely access to specialized care for the most vulnerable members of the state’s Medicaid program. Their experience as a behavioral health managed care organization translates into a robust network offering community-based and innovative services for individuals with complex needs. As a fully integrated BH I/DD Tailored Plan, they have expanded their network to provide a more comprehensive approach to member care.
Cityblock’s Integrated Care Model
Through this partnership, Cityblock brings its unique care model to Alliance Health’s BH I/DD Tailored Plan members in Mecklenburg, Cumberland, and Wake counties, starting July 1, 2024. Cityblock’s approach offers members flexibility, allowing them to access care virtually, in their homes, or at existing Cityblock clinics. Their multidisciplinary care team includes primary care providers, behavioral health specialists, community health partners, and more, ensuring holistic care coordination.
This partnership marks a significant step for Alliance Health, representing their first shared risk arrangement. This value-based approach aligns both organizations towards achieving better health outcomes for members. The flexible care structure allows teams to address complex clinical and non-clinical needs with dynamic strategies. This collaboration ultimately aims to:
- Increase access to integrated care for vulnerable populations.
- Close gaps in health equity.
- Drive sustainable value in healthcare delivery.
Addressing Health Disparities with 24/7 Access
Cityblock’s philosophy centers around the idea that health is local and personal. Their model caters to individuals with complex needs who often face higher risks of poor health outcomes. By offering 24/7 access to a multidisciplinary care team, Cityblock helps to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital admissions, while improving member engagement in their healthcare journey. Data from Cityblock’s 2024 Equity in Action Report highlights the model’s success in:
- Increasing member engagement and care continuity.
- Reducing avoidable inpatient admissions.
- Helping members live healthier lives.
“We share North Carolina and Alliance Health’s longstanding commitment to providing innovative, high-quality care to members with complex behavioral health needs,” said Dr. Toyin Ajayi, CEO and cofounder of Cityblock. “Together, and on the heels of North Carolina’s groundbreaking transition to Medicaid managed care, we will deploy care to treat individuals holistically and reduce health disparities, and we look forward to delivering clinical and financial outcomes for marginalized and underserved communities throughout the state.”
