Impacts NC Medicaid Managed Care Plans
Note: A revised and updated version of this bulletin can be seen here.
Tobacco-related policy requirements will be effective starting on Jan. 1, 2027. This delay applies to:
- Standard Plans
- Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Tailored Plans
- Children and Families Specialty Plan (CFSP)
- Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCOs) contracted medical, behavioral health, I/DD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) service providers
These requirements apply to both NC Medicaid and state-funded service providers.
To support the health and wellbeing of NC Medicaid beneficiaries and state-funded service recipients, providers are encouraged to begin preparing now to implement tobacco-free policies in advance of the Jan. 1, 2027, deadline. Providers should note that implementation can take three to six months or longer depending on the organization’s current tobacco use policy and treatment supports; many providers have already successfully made this transition.
Support and Resources
Providers can access free training and technical assistance on the Breathe Easy NC website or join the statewide, monthly Change for Life Coalition to learn from other providers who have implemented tobacco-free policies successfully.
Additional information can be found in the previous Tobacco-Related Requirements bulletin.
Contact
NC Department of Public Health Tobacco Control and Prevention Branch at TPCB@dhhs.nc.gov