This Disengagement Plan serves as a guide for the first step in the process of transitioning from one LME/MCO to the other. While this plan should not be considered all-inclusive, we have made every effort to identify the areas on which we need to focus and the necessary steps to ensuring that the needs of our residents are met. Both Union County and Partners are dedicated to carrying out this plan, as outlined in the following focus areas:
a. Transition Planning
To ensure active and robust community involvement in this transition and to facilitate input and feedback from subject matter experts, the Union County Manager will form an LME/MCO Realignment Committee consisting of key County officials and agencies, Partners, and other appropriate stakeholders. This will include the following, or their representatives, plus others as appointed by the County Manager:
- Deputy County Manager (Chair)
- County DSS Director
- County Public Health Director
- Community Health Council Director
- District Court representative
- District Attorney
- Sheriff
- County Finance Director
- Atrium-Union HealthCare System Representative
- One or more Partners executives and directors
This Committee will meet as needed to share information; to schedule listening and education meetings with key stakeholders (providers, consumers, advocates); to consult subject matter experts; and to assist the County and Partners in whatever tasks are needed to ensure a smooth disengagement and transition.
The County and Partners envision the transition plan to include “5 Ps”: People, Providers, Projects, Property and Payments. As county leadership and Partners leadership work alongside those on the LME/MCO Realignment committee, the engagement plan that emerges will be discussed during ongoing meetings with the community and ensure that those “5 P’s” provide for a smooth transition for consumers, providers and community stakeholders. Though such plan is not a required element of the disengagement plan that goes to the Secretary for approval as noted above and is not a document that other counties that have transitioned have published widely, Union County and Partners share a commitment to transparency and intend to be very inclusive in the development and implementation of this plan.
b. Continuity of Services Plan
Union County recognizes the importance of ensuring services for its community are uninterrupted and are provided with high quality, timeliness and a focus on community involvement. Therefore, a separate written Continuity of Services Plan is being developed and published shortly after this Disengagement Plan. Partners has committed to ensure all current providers contracted and in good standing with Cardinal and serving our County will be contracted with Partners as well, if not already. Likewise, Partners intends to honor consumer service authorizations, annual plans and other documentation and decisions essential to ensure a smooth transition.
c. Notification of Stakeholders
Union County and Partners will collaborate to notify all stakeholders impacted by this transition. Additionally, a concentrated effort will be made to solicit comments, feedback and suggestions from consumers, advocates, self-advocates, providers, State and Local Consumer and Family Advisory Committees (CFACs), and all other interested parties. We will use our usual Union County established communication methods, primarily our website, plus likely more, such as mailings, stakeholder meetings, press releases, and social media messaging. All input is welcome and encouraged.
d. Community Initiatives
Union County has ensured that Partners is committed to becoming ingrained in our community and supporting our current community initiatives involving behavioral health, as it has in its other counties. A list of all current, planned and proposed projects/initiatives will be compiled and agreed upon prior to the transition effective date.
e. Distribution of Real Property Plan
In accordance with State law, a written Distribution of Real Property Plan must be developed during a LME/MCO realignment process. This disengagement involves no real property (land, buildings, etc.) to be distributed, so a Plan stating as much will be posted with or shortly after this Disengagement Plan.
f. Financial Liabilities
Union County affirms that, to its knowledge, it has no outstanding financial liabilities to Cardinal, nor will the County have any within 30 calendar days of the request to disengage. Should Cardinal reasonably disagree, the County will work amicably and promptly with Cardinal to resolve equitably and if unable to do so, defer the matter to the NCDHHS Secretary for resolution. Partners has agreed to work with the County to ensure its financial liabilities under maintenance of efforts requirements are not increased by realigning with Partners.
