Carolina Complete Health and WellCare of North Carolina, both subsidiaries of the Centene Corporation, announced their merger effective April 2, 2026. The combined organization will continue operating under the Carolina Complete Health brand and serve more than 980,000 members across Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace insurance.
The merger also expands support for all four Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Tailored Plans that serve approximately 240,000 North Carolinians with complex mental health needs, severe substance use needs, and I/DD. Current members of both organizations will not experience changes to their benefits or providers, according to the announcement.
Carolina Complete Health is structured as a provider-led health plan, with the organization established through a unique partnership between the Centene Corporation, the North Carolina Medical Society, and the North Carolina Community Health Center Association. Local physicians determine clinical policy and guide decisions supporting coordinated care and high-quality outcomes.
Chris Paterson, PhD, chief executive officer of Carolina Complete Health and CEO of the newly combined company, stated that the merger expands the organization’s ability to serve members in government-sponsored health insurance programs across North Carolina and strengthens partnerships with providers and communities. The combined entity will offer enhanced value-added services in areas including food insecurity, maternal health, preventive health, and youth development.
Troy Hildreth, president and CEO of WellCare of North Carolina, stated that the merger reflects a shared commitment to members, providers, and communities, extending the benefits of provider-led care to more North Carolinians statewide.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carolina-complete-health-and-wellcare-of-north-carolina-combine-to-form-provider-led-managed-care-organization-302732921.html