Vaya Health and Partners Health Merged

The organizations joined to form Vaya Partners, the state's largest managed care and local management entity.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Healthcare

Isometric editorial illustration of a monolithic, modern healthcare administrative building block, rendered in muted oxblood and slate blue tones. — Vaya Health and Partners Health Management have merged to form Vaya Partners, creating the largest managed care entity in North Carolina. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Vaya Health and Partners Health Management have completed a merger to create Vaya Partners. This new entity stands as the largest managed care organization in North Carolina.

Why it matters

The merger seeks to provide long-term stability and improve the coordination of behavioral health services. By consolidating resources, the organization aims to expand access to care for residents across its service area.

Vaya Partners serves a total of 225,000 members across 47 North Carolina counties. The organization's board consists of 28 members, and it has implemented 90-day flexibilities for prior authorizations to support continuity of care.

The players

Tracy Hayes

She serves as the Area Director and Chief Executive Officer of Vaya Partners.

Libby McCraw

She serves as the Senior Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of the newly formed organization.

Vaya Partners

This is the state's largest managed care organization formed from the merger of Vaya Health and Partners Health Management.

The details

Vaya Partners manages behavioral health, I/DD, TBI, physical health, and pharmacy services for its members. The organization integrated both original boards and transitioned all claims processing to the Conduent HSP platform.

October 1, 2026: Vaya Health and Partners Health Management officially merged.
2011: The North Carolina General Assembly expanded the LME/MCO model statewide.
Next 90 days: The organization will offer prior authorization flexibilities.
Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Support lines remain operational.

Market Landscape

The consolidation of these organizations follows the structural shifts encouraged by the North Carolina General Assembly's LME/MCO model, which has driven industry integration since 2011. This merger creates a dominant provider in the region, positioning Vaya Partners as the primary managed care entity in the state.

Members will experience no changes to their Medicaid or state-funded program eligibility following the merger. Residents needing assistance can contact support lines Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The takeaway

The merger streamlines administrative operations while maintaining the same service levels for current members. Patients should verify their existing authorizations during the initial 90-day transition period.