An introduction to North Carolina Integrated Care for Kids (NC InCK): A model to support whole-child health

We describe the design of the North Carolina Integrated Care for Kids (NC InCK) model. NC InCK is one of seven nationwide CMMI-funded pediatric health care delivery models that integrate services to promote whole-child health. NC InCK was collaboratively designed by health care systems, the state Medicaid agency, Medicaid managed care organizations, child-serving organizations across multiple sectors, and families. The model uses three key approaches to integrate care: 1) a risk stratification algorithm using data across healthcare, education, and social systems to holistically understand needs and identify children who may benefit from additional supports; 2) a family-centered, longitudinal care management model to integrate cross-sector services for children and youth needing clinical and nonclinical support; and 3) an alternative payment model with innovative measures around social needs and school readiness to drive investment in child and family well-being. Early success designing NC InCK has been driven by cross-sector and multi-level governance from the start of model design, garnering deep trust and alignment around shared goals. NC InCK is a step toward supporting whole-child health via cross-sector service integration and timely identification of children and families experiencing medical and social complexity. Lessons learned from design of this demonstration model can be applied to pediatric health initiatives nationwide.