ASHEVILLE — On May 15, Vaya Health joined partner health plans across North Carolina as access to the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) program launched for the NC Medicaid Direct population. HOP is a critical initiative that aims to address the link between social determinants of health and the overall physical and mental well-being of individuals across the state.
“A person’s health is not solely determined by what happens within the walls of a doctor’s office. Our health is deeply influenced by the conditions in which we are born, grow, live, work, and age,” said Sarah Frei, HOP director at Vaya Health. “The HOP program goes beyond acknowledging the correlation and aims to help communities, and the people within them, address the root causes of common health disparities by ensuring that communities have the tailored support and resources they need.”
The HOP program is a collaborative effort between health plans, designated network leads, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), and community organizations available to Medicaid beneficiaries to decrease health risks and support healthy living surrounding four main areas:
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• Housing: A variety of housing support services will be available through the HOP program to help members identify, secure, and transition into a healthy living space. HOP will cover the cost of an array of services such as a one-time security deposit and first month’s rent, housing safety inspections, accessibility and safety modifications, and short-term post-hospitalization housing.
• Food: Nutrition is a critical resource for healthy living and the overall well-being of individuals. Through the HOP Program, eligible members can receive services such as healthy food boxes, produce prescriptions, medically tailored meals, and group nutrition classes.
• Transportation: In rural counties, accessible public transportation can be hard to come by. HOP connects participants to community partners and organizations to help find, coordinate, and reimburse for transportation options as well as mileage reimbursement for gas to ensure enrollees can remain engaged in their community, their health, and their well-being.
• Personal Safety & Healthy Relationships: Stressful life events can impact a person’s quality of life and well-being. Through the HOP program, eligible members can receive support services such as parenting classes, in-home support, and violence intervention services.
Vaya Health is partnering with Impact Health, the Network Lead for HOP in Western North Carolina, to ensure HOP services are available to eligible Medicaid Direct enrollees in 16 of Vaya’s westernmost counties.
To learn more about the HOP program, the communities it’s currently piloting in, and an in-depth list of services being offered, visit – https://www.vayahealth.com/get-help/local-resources/hop/.