SCHIP
State Updates
North Carolina

Approach

    New Program: The plan will cover uninsured children whose family incomes do not exceed 200% of the fpl. The program will also allow families of children to buy into the program for one year at full cost if their family incomes is between 200% and 225% fpl.


Mental Health Benefits

    New Program:
    Inpatient: Precertification must be obtained from the Mental Health Case Managed for residential treatment in a psychiatric setting, urgent admissions, chemical dependency, and psychological testing.
    Outpatient: Limited to 26 outpatient visits per plan year (combined substance abuse visits) without precertification.
    Inpatient Substance Abuse: Same as inpatient coverage for inpatient mental health services. As well, detoxification may be obtained from a licensed medical unit, psychiatric unit or substance abuse unit if precertified.
    Outpatient Substance Abuse: Same as outpatient coverage for outpatient mental health services.
    Wrap-around Services: A special fund will be established to reimburse the services for "children with special needs" that are above and beyond those covered by the benefits in the plan, to be administered by the state Title V Children’s Special Health Service Program.
    Prescription Drugs: Families above 150% of the fpl will pay $6 for each prescription.