Airbnb partners with ECBI on economic development
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Vaya, Cardinal merge to take on Medicaid transformation Innovations. The proposed consolidation marks the fourth such endeavor for Vaya, having successfully led previous mergers with New River Behavioral Healthcare in 2007, Foothills Area MH/DD/SA Authority in 2008 and Western Highlands Network in 2013. Vaya’s experience with transitioning members through consolidation efforts will be especially beneficial as the state’s public health care system is undergoing a significant shift. The first phase of N.C. Medicaid Transformation will launch on July 1, 2021, with five commercial health plans poised to manage integrated health benefits for the majority of Medicaid enrollees. As part of the second phase of transformation to BH and I/DD Tailored Plans, which are expected to launch in July 2022, Vaya and Cardinal Innovations have been preparing to evolve their operations to offer fully integrated care for people with a serious mental illness, a serious emotional distur-
and supports.” “We believe in our mission to improve the health and wellness of our members and their families,” said Trey Sutten, Cardinal Innovations CEO. “It has become increasingly clear that in order to deliver on that mission, we need to consolidate with a strong organization that has a history of meeting member and community needs and can stabilize the disruption caused by Medicaid Transformation and county realignments. I have known Brian and the Vaya team for years, and know that our members, providers and communities are in the best possible hands.” Leadership for the two organizations will be working closely with DHHS as well as local and state government representatives to ensure a successful transition. The boards for each organization will establish a joint steering committee to guide the development of a transition plan that puts member, provider and county needs at the forefront of planning efforts. Vaya leadership will be visiting with each county to hear their concerns and learn about the unique needs of each community. Consolidation of the two entities under Vaya Health leadership is expected to be completed by June 30, 2022. 19
Smoky Mountain News
Two of North Carolina’s largest managed care organizations recently announced they will consolidate in preparation for the state’s transformation to Medicaid managed care. Vaya Health and Cardinal Innovations have already begun transition efforts, with Vaya assuming responsibility for coordinating services and supports for Cardinal Innovations members once consolidated. Together, the organizations will work toward a seamless transition focused on integrated, compassionate care for individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Vaya Health currently manages services for individuals in 22 counties in Western North Carolina. If approved by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and county representatives, the consolidation will expand Vaya’s operations to encompass benefits for the individuals and counties served by Cardinal
bance, a severe substance use disorder, an intellectual/developmental disability or a traumatic brain injury. According to a press release, the consolidation of the two organizations will enable a stronger health plan to serve individuals who receive care through North Carolina’s public health care system. It will also bring needed stability to members in counties served by Cardinal Innovations. “We believe that when we work together to meet the needs of our communities, we all benefit,” said Brian Ingraham, Vaya Health President & CEO. “Our number one priority throughout this transition will be to support members, providers and counties and avoid any disruption in care. We remain committed to offering a successful public service option as a Tailored Plan. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to strengthen the public model, support our county partners and serve even more North Carolinians on their journey toward health and wellness.” “The passion and commitment of Vaya staff in serving our members and communities is beyond compare,” said Rick French, Vaya Health Board Chair. “The Board of Directors is pleased to expand that work to ensure Cardinal Innovations health plan members continue to receive quality services
June 9-15, 2021
counties are both above $32,000 a year. Airbnb as they embark on this work.” nomics generated by this travel stays in the Buncombe and Haywood counties are both Stats provided by Airbnb show that community and has a multiplier effect withrural travel now accounts for almost 30 per- around $25,000. in the community. Our data shows U.S. Population growth — or rather, the lack cent of all nights booked on Airbnb. Rural guests are seeking rural locations with of it — in Swain County is also becoming a access to the outdoors and state and nation- hosts in North Carolina have earned more problem. From 2010 through 2019, Swain’s than $170 million since the start of the al parks, and with their proximity to Great population has increased just 2.1 percent, Coronavirus Pandemic, with an average Smoky Mountains Park, the EBCI are compared to 5.6 percent in Haywood host income of $8,448 — up $2,000 from uniquely situated to tap into this travel County, 9.1 percent in Jackson County, and the 2019 average. trend and grow the economics from the 5.7 percent in travel pie.” Macon County. To help WNC propAlmost 90 percent erty owners get a piece of the land in Swain of that pie, the County is governEntrepreneurship ment-owned, and Academy provides therefore not taximmersive, hands-on able, putting additraining in digital martional stress on a keting and professional stagnant pool of photography, along existing taxpayers. with mentorship from “I was contactexperienced hosts. ed by Beth Airbnb also says it Frederick, of will collaborate with the Speaker [Tim] N.C. Rural Center to Moore’s office,” develop the programs. said Rep. Mike “For more than 30 Clampitt, R-Swain, years, the NC Rural who facilitated the Center has worked to partnership. “She promote entrepreneurwas concerned ship and small-business about negative development in our During the Coronavirus Pandemic, visitors flocked to the Smoky Mountains. Swain TDA photo population growth. state’s rural communiI certainly hope ties,” said Patrick this will be successful because we are The partnership could be a much-needWoodie, president of the N.C. Rural Center. ed boost for the economy in Swain County, diminished in our ability to collect proper“We believe the innovative and entreprety taxes, so we have to be innovative and neurial spirit of our state’s rural people is key which ranks 66th out of 100 North think outside the box, not just on a state Carolina counties in median income, or to moving our economy forward as we or national level, but also on an internajust over $19,000 a year. By comparison, emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, and tional level.” median incomes in Orange and Wake we welcome the opportunity to advise
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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR oping to cash in on the trend of vacationers seeking rural destinations with access to outdoor attractions, Airbnb announced last week that it would expand its Entrepreneurship Academy to include the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is excited to work with Airbnb to offer this training opportunity to members of our community,” said Principal Chief Richard Sneed in a June 3 press release. “The Western North Carolina mountains the EBCI calls home serve as the perfect landscape for this venture, offering scenic beauty, natural landscapes and a wealth of outdoor activities. I look forward to seeing what our community members do with the information provided by this training series and hope to grow our relationship with Airbnb for future endeavors.” The expansion is the first in the United States for Airbnb, the $3.3 billion online lodging marketplace. The Entrepreneurship Academy stems from programs in Africa and Asia that are designed to empower marginalized communities. Part of the reason Airbnb selected Western North Carolina as its first American location, according to Airbnb’s Global Head of Policy and Communications Chris Lehane, is that unlike in large municipalities, most of the money spent here, stays here. “The Smoky Mountains are a special part of the world and we know more people than ever want to visit — I know this from personal experience,” Lehane said. “Our goal is to make sure as much of the eco-
