What is the NC Healthy Opportunities Pilot (NCHOP)?

• A. A hospital reimbursement model based on patient volume.
• B. A private insurance option for low-income residents.
• C. A Medicaid initiative that pays for non-medical services to improve health outcomes.
• D. A public health surveillance program.

Answer: (C)

NC Healthy Opportunities Pilot is a Medicaid initiative that pays for non-medical services to improve health outcomes. It recognizes that health is shaped by factors outside clinical care—like housing stability, access to nutritious food, transportation to appointments, and safety from violence—and funds targeted supports to address those needs. This is not about paying hospitals for patient volume, not a private insurance option, and not a public health surveillance program. The goal is to test whether providing these non-medical services through Medicaid can lead to better health and lower overall costs by mitigating social determinants of health for eligible enrollees in the program.