Get to Know Vaya Partners
Embracing whole-person care by nurturing the mind, body, and spirit
Who We Are
Vaya Partners is a public managed care organization (MCO) that prioritizes whole-person health. We manage Medicaid, federal, state, and local funding to connect the people we serve to healthcare services and supports. Our specialty is helping individuals with needs related to mental health, substance use disorders, intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). We strive for members and recipients to receive the right care, in the right amount, at the right time.
Serving North Carolina
To manage prevention, treatment, and crisis services, we partner with thousands of healthcare organizations and practitioners across North Carolina. This network provides person-centered care to help people on their path to health and wellness. We manage two health plans:
Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plan
- We manage mental health, substance use, I/DD, TBI, physical health, and pharmacy services, as well as Long-Term Services and Supports, for Medicaid beneficiaries. These individuals are referred to as Tailored Plan members.
- We manage mental health, substance use, I/DD, and TBI services for individuals without insurance – or too little insurance – who are eligible for care funded by the state of North Carolina or other public funds. These individuals are referred to as Tailored Plan recipients.
NC Medicaid Direct Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan
- NC Medicaid Direct is North Carolina’s healthcare program for Medicaid beneficiaries who are not enrolled in managed care plans. Vaya Partners is responsible for managing mental health, substance use, I/DD, and TBI services for these individuals, who are referred to as NC Medicaid Direct members.
Vaya Partners Counties
We currently offer both health plans in the following North Carolina counties: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Graham, Granville, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Person, Polk, Rockingham, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Vance, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission: Members are Our Mission. At Vaya Partners, people are at the heart of everything we do. We have served as a critical backbone of North Carolina’s public behavioral health system for over 50 years. As trusted stewards of public funds, we manage care for individuals with a serious mental health condition, severe substance use disorder, I/DD, and/or TBI and ensure eligible individuals have access to high-quality, person-centered care. We coordinate services that address medical, behavioral, pharmacy, and non-medical social needs so members receive the right care, in the right amount, at the right time. Together with members, providers, and community partners, we improve lives by connecting individuals to the care, services, and supports they need.
Vision: Communities Where People Get the Help They Need to Live the Life They Choose. We envision a high-quality, accessible care system that integrates physical and behavioral health in a community of hope, support, and acceptance. Through the dedication of our employees, collaborative partnerships, innovation, and fiscal accountability, we are building a more connected, accessible system of care that responds to the unique needs of the individuals, families, and communities we serve.
Vaya Partners Values
- We believe in the power of recovery and that integrated, person-centered care is the best approach for treating each individual as a whole, unique person.
- We care about the individuals we serve and the people and organizations who serve them.
- We strive to deliver a superior experience to members, families, and providers.
- We are passionate about improving public health in the communities we serve.
- We believe that healthcare should not be about profit.
- We operate with integrity.
- We are accountable to our counties by listening to each area’s unique needs, maintaining a local presence, collaborating with providers and stakeholders, and developing solutions that support the best outcomes for the individuals and communities we have the privilege to serve.
- We are committed to Improving Lives and Strengthening Communities.
Our Team
At Vaya Partners, whole person care isn’t just a pursuit—it’s our passion. We’re inspired by the people and communities we serve. Our staff understand the journey to well-being may not always be a straight line, but we’re here for members and recipients every step of the way.
Looking for a place to put your passion to work? Let’s move forward together.
Leadership and Governance
As managers of public funds, we strive to ensure access to quality care for those we serve and accountable financial stewardship in our daily operations. Vaya Partners’ leadership works closely with our governing Board of Directors and four Regional Boards to align efforts to best meet the needs of our communities.
Advocacy and Involvement
Our vision is to build communities where people get the help they need to live the life they choose. We’ve seen Vaya Partners members, recipients, and local communities give back and get involved in their care, education, and overall health. We welcome stakeholder participation in what we do. That includes opportunities to serve on key committees and participate in quality trainings and education.
