NC S727

Reduces the maximum number of Provider-Led Entity (PLE) contracts for future Medicaid standard benefit plan award cycles from up to 12 regional contracts to up to 4 contracts (regional or statewide)

Maintains four statewide contracts with commercial plans for future award cycles, replacing the current requirement for contracts with Prepaid Health Plans (PHPs)

Allows PLEs in future cycles to bid for statewide coverage in addition to regional coverage, whereas initial contracts limited PLEs to regional coverage only

Requires all qualifying PLEs to receive contracts if fewer than four submit timely responses meeting minimum RFP requirements; if four or more PLEs qualify, exactly four contracts must be awarded

Takes effect immediately upon becoming law