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Important Contracting Update: Carolina Complete Health & WellCare Integration in 2026

Carolina Complete Health and WellCare of North Carolina are uniting on April 1, 2026 as a state-wide Provider-Led Entity (PLE). The unified health plan will operate under the WellCare NC (WCNC) Tax ID Number and will be named Carolina Complete Health (CCH), continuing the unique physician-governed PLE model. This unified plan will draw upon the best provider relations practices of both companies.

What You Need to Know:

  • Current WellCare Medicaid members will transition to this unified health plan automatically on 4/1/26. Members will receive a Carolina Complete Health member ID card and welcome packet. WellCare members received a letter indicating their health plan name is changing to Carolina Complete Health.
  • Providers with active NC Medicaid credentials who hold contracts with either WCNC or CCH for Medicaid, will remain in network with the new unified health plan on 4/1.
  • If you are contracted with both entities and received a termination letter regarding one of your contracts, you do not have to do anything. Your remaining contract will be maintained, and you will be considered in network on 4/1/26.
  • Contracts for Wellcare Medicare, Ambetter of North Carolina Inc., and Tailored Plan Physical Health with Trillium and Partners remain unaffected by the merger.

Contracting Frequently Asked Questions

You will not need to sign a new agreement. Your existing WellCare agreement remains in effect after the merger and will cover members under the new state-wide unified health plan, named Carolina Complete Health.

You will not need to sign a new agreement. Your existing CCH agreement remains in effect after the merger and will cover members under the new state-wide unified health plan, named Carolina Complete Health.

You do not have to do anything and will be considered in-network under the merged plan on 4/1/26. Carolina Complete Health and WellCare of North Carolina, with approval from NC Medicaid, have determined which contract to maintain to avoid disruption to members and providers. Importantly, whichever contract is maintained for Medicaid will remain in effect after the merger and will cover members under the new state-wide unified health plan. Contracts for Wellcare Medicare, Ambetter of North Carolina Inc., and Tailored Plan Physical Health with Trillium and Partners remain unaffected by the merger.

If you currently hold a Medicaid contract with Carolina Complete Health or WellCare of North Carolina, you will be considered in-network on 4/1/26 and therefore, members will not need to change their primary care provider. Additionally, with current WellCare Medicaid members being automatically transitioned to the unified health plan, these members will not need to change their PHP.

There is no re-credentialing or additional application process required as part of this merger on 4/1/26.

Save the Dates: 

  • February 19 12:00PM: Join us for an information session to hear updates about the integration, including operational changes and timelines. Providers can ask questions in advance, or during the session. This session will be virtual and recorded. Multiple sessions will be offered to provide flexibility and support throughout the merger. To register and view available dates, click here.
  • February 26 12:00PM: Join us for Carolina Complete Health Provider Portal training. As a unified health plan, providers will use a single provider portal for dates of service 4/1/26 and after. If you are new to working with Carolina Complete Health, this training will cover how to register, navigate the portal, and use key features. To register and view available dates, click here. 

Please contact your Provider Relations representative with Carolina Complete Health or WellCare of North Carolina with any questions. Stay informed by bookmarking the Integration Provider Page which will be frequently updatedwith resources, trainings, and FAQs.

Thank You for Staying Connected!

We appreciate your partnership in staying informed about important updates and resources. Your attention helps ensure your practice is prepared and well-equipped to support the members we serve together.

📩 Questions? Contact us at: NCProviderRelations@wellcare.com.