North Carolina resumes Healthy Opportunities Pilot with $25 million

North Carolina is resuming its Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) program following a yearlong pause. The program will return with $25 million in funding, a significant reduction from the $80 million originally requested.

Under the new Medicaid waiver, food-related services are expected to be among the first to return. However, certain previous benefits, such as transportation assistance for car repairs, will not be reinstated in their former capacity. The state is currently finalizing the specific timeline for the rollout of funds and the full scope of covered services.

Launched in 2022, the HOP program was designed to address non-medical health needs for Medicaid beneficiaries in rural regions, including mold abatement, fresh food delivery, and medical transportation.