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Stanly County was notified Monday that Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, has approved its request for realignment with Partners Health Management. The realignment has an effective date of Sept. 1 and was approved in accordance with NCGS § 122C-115(a3) and county disengagement rules.

In November 2020, the Stanly County Board of Commissioners voted to disengage from the current Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO), Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, and realign with Partners. LME/MCOs are governmental entities that manage county, state and Medicaid funds for intellectual/developmental disability, mental health and substance use disorder services.

“Ensuring the behavioral health needs of all our citizens are consistently addressed in a timely and effective manner is the number one priority for our Board,” Stanly County Manager Andy Lucas said. “We are confident this transition will align Stanly County with a partner that shares our values and places an emphasis on collaboration as well as innovative services. Stanly County is eager to begin this new collaborative partnership to enhance services, treatment options and ultimately outcomes for our residents.”

Partners CEO Rhett Melton said, “We are humbled by Stanly County’s request to join Partners and by the secretary’s decision. Collaboration is at the core of Partners’ culture because every community we serve is unique and one size does not fit all. We look forward to working closely with county leadership, members, advocates, providers and stakeholders in the weeks ahead to ensure continuity of care for individuals and families who live in Stanly County.”

Stanly County officials will review all requirements set forth from the secretary in the coming weeks to develop a strategy and work plans to ensure continuity of care for members and a seamless transition to Partners on Sept. 1.