On the health care front, North Carolina is taking a notable step forward with the introduction of the Children and Families Specialty Plan (CFSP), a new health initiative for Medicaid-enrolled youth, in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. The plan, healthy Blue Care Together, was set into motion as of today, December 1, 2025, according to a press release from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
Securing medical and mental health services for children in the welfare system, the CFSP aims to bridge gaps in care across the state, and this program is not just another bureaucratic layer but a promise of a more unified and cohesive approach to complex health challenges, as explained by NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai who said, "This plan ensures there is a unified system of care and accountability when it comes to improving the wellbeing of children living with the most complex challenges," as mentioned on the NC Department of Health and Human Services website. Approximately 32,000 individuals are automatically enrolled in the plan, they will have access to health, mental health, pharmacy needs, non-emergency medical transport, and supports for living long-term irrespective of their location in the state.
While this rollout may sound positive, it must be noted that NC Medicaid has been put under financial pressure, needing to make provider rate cuts following a shortfall from the North Carolina General Assembly for Medicaid rebase — a move that could hurt communities dependent on Medicaid. The department has signaled that should the General Assembly allocate full funding for Medicaid, they might review and potentially reverse these cuts so as to operate within the budget, as detailed in the same announcement.
The CFSP is part of a broader effort by NCDHHS to support children and families, which includes developing services that prevent children from staying in unsuitable conditions like emergency departments and thereby offering the bull needed strength within family structures. Detailed information on these initiatives can be found in the white paper "Transforming Child Welfare in North Carolina: A Unified Vision for Children and Families."
