North Carolina's Medicaid Program Suggests Medical Homes Improve Care

Written by Jaimie Oh | August 02, 2010

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Proponents for North Carolina-based Community Care say the care management model could improve Medicaid care, according to an article by American Medical News.

Community Care started in North Carolina in 1998 as a pilot project and is one of the oldest and largest Medicaid medical home programs. Medical home networks aim to mold around a local patient population rather than a typical Medicaid health plan. Physicians who participate in the program receive financial incentives to see Community Care patients.

By integrating a medical home network, Community Care was able to reduce asthma patient emergency department inpatient admissions by 40 percent between the 2003 and 2006. The program also saved approximately $574 million during this same time, according to the report.

The benefits and savings have not gone unnoticed, and since 2006 more than 30 states have begun medical home programs for their Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Programs. Proponents for medical home programs say the model could be adopted in more areas to help healthcare efficiency, as healthcare reform will broaden Medicaid coverage starting in 2014.

Read the American Medical News report on North Carolina Community Care.

Read other coverage on medical homes:

- Healthcare Reform Could Enhance Physician Efficiency in Several Ways

- AHA Report on Clinical Integration Outlines Promises and Barriers

- Payment Reform Promoting Integration Has Support, Faces Challenges

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