Vaya Health and Partners Health Merged to Form Vaya Partners
The newly combined entity is now North Carolina's largest managed care organization.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Healthcare
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Vaya Health and Partners Health Management have finalized a merger to create Vaya Partners, the largest managed care organization in North Carolina. The consolidated entity oversees care for over 225,000 members across 47 counties.
Why it matters
The merger aims to ensure long-term stability and enhance care coordination for behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disability, and physical health services. By consolidating resources, the organization seeks to expand access to care for residents across the state.
The new organization serves over 225,000 members across 47 counties, overseen by a 28-member board of directors. To maintain continuity, the entity is providing 90-day flexibilities for prior authorizations.
The players
Vaya Partners
The largest managed care organization in North Carolina, overseeing behavioral health, physical health, pharmacy, and disability services.
Tracy Hayes
The Area Director and Chief Executive Officer of Vaya Partners who oversees the integrated organization.
Libby McCraw
The Senior Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer responsible for operational integration.
The details
The integration process involved consolidating claims processing into the Conduent HSP platform to streamline service delivery. Leadership integrated members from both original organizations' boards to govern the combined entity. Providers and members retain support access through dedicated lines operating Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., while eligibility criteria for Medicaid and state-funded programs remain unchanged.
Timeline
The merger between the two entities took effect on October 1, 2026.
The North Carolina General Assembly originally expanded the LME/MCO model statewide in 2011.
Member and Provider Support Lines operate Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Prior authorization flexibilities will remain in place for the next 90 days.
Market Landscape
The merger aligns with the long-term consolidation trend initiated by the North Carolina General Assembly's 2011 decision to expand the LME/MCO model statewide. Vaya Partners now serves as a central player in the state's managed care ecosystem.
Providers should note that claims processing has moved to the Conduent HSP platform and adjust internal billing workflows accordingly. Operators should monitor the new entity's 90-day authorization window to prevent service disruptions for patients.
The takeaway
The creation of Vaya Partners marks a significant consolidation of healthcare management in North Carolina that aims to standardize access across 47 counties. Business operators should audit their existing authorization protocols and verify that they are submitting claims through the new Conduent HSP platform.
What happens next
The organization will maintain current prior authorization flexibilities for the next 90 days to support care continuity during the transition.
Further reading
For more information on the regional medical landscape, visit the Healthcare section.
More information
To review updated documentation and support line information, visit the Vaya Partners organization website.
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