Healthy Opportunities Pilot

The Healthy Opportunity Pilot (HOP) program aims to make healthy lifestyles accessible for all. 

This statewide initiative is working to overcome nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes for Medicaid recipients. North Carolina is the first and only state participating in HOP, which aims to reduce doctors’ visits and hospitalizations while improving overall quality of life. 

Eligible participants receive Managed Medicaid and may be able to receive services that assist with social determinants of health such as:  

• Housing

• Food 

• Transportation 

• Toxic stress 

The YMCA of Western North Carolina has signed on to HOP to address food insecurity by preparing meal boxes that contain a week’s worth of nutritious food, simple recipes, and tips for food storage and cooking.  

The boxes are available for pickup weekly or delivered directly to a home facing food insecurity. HOP boxes contain:  

• Fresh fruit 

• Fresh vegetables 

• Lean proteins 

• Whole grains 

• Recipes 

• Educational nutrition resources

The Y accepts referrals from care managers who have completed eligibility screenings with their clients and match them with the appropriate health service organization based on need and location.  
Along with our partners statewide, the Y is collecting data to better understand the relationship between hospitalization and access to programs that support wellness. Results will be based on factors such as the frequency of visits to the emergency room and doctors. If the pilot results in better health outcomes, it may continue and expand services.