Local Management Entities

Local Management Entities/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCOs) are public managed care organizations responsible for overseeing behavioral health services in North Carolina. They manage state and federal funding, including Medicaid, to provide services for mental health, substance use disorders, and intellectual/developmental disabilities. These entities act as intermediaries, contracting with a network of private providers to ensure residents receive appropriate care. They are responsible for care coordination, utilization management, and quality assurance within their specific geographic regions. Currently, the system is evolving into Tailored Plans to integrate physical and behavioral health services under North Carolina's Medicaid transformation. LME/MCOs play a critical role in the safety net for uninsured individuals and those with complex needs.