Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

(1) What is happening to FCMHA?

FCMHA, the public MH/DD/SA agency for Vance, Granville, Franklin, Halifax and Warren, is changing.  FCMHA now provides mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse services.  In its new form, FCMHA will not provide these services directly, they will be contracted out to various private providers.  FCMHA will manage the care and the quality of services delivered by providers.  Our clients will continue to receive services, just not from FCMHA.

 (2)    Who will be providing these services?

All services currently provided will be offered by other providers that are not a part of the state or county.  Some of these providers already work with FCMHA and some will be new.  They are a combination of for-profit and not-for-profit entities.  Most are regional or state-wide organizations.

(3)   But I like the services I have now and I don’t want to change.  Why is this happening?

A new state law requires this change as of July 1, 2002.  Agencies like FCMHA all across North Carolina are changing.

 (4)   How will this change work?

FCMHA has already contracted a majority of services, approximately 85%.  Within about three years, all the services that FCMHA now offers will be offered through these providers.  FCMHA, which will by then be a much smaller organization, will make sure that the quality of these services is good and that providers are meeting the needs of clients.

(5)   How will the private providers be selected?

Providers that want to serve FCMHA clients will apply to become part of the qualified provider network.  FCMHA will check each provider to make sure that the provider has high standards and will provide good quality services.  FCMHA will then match the specific needs of each client to the provider that can best serve them.  Additionally, FCMHA has gone through a request for proposal process where organizations provided a comprehensive written proposal of how they would deliver a specific service.  All proposals for each service were reviewed and graded by a Proposal Review Committee.  The committees normally were composed of a client, family member, staff and an area board member.  Those proposals which scored 80 or above, then had a face to face interview.  The committee made a recommendation to the Area Director and the Program Committee of the Area Board.  The Program Committee made a recommendation to the full Area Board who then voted on the recommendation.

(6)   What will happen to the doctors, counselors, therapists, social workers, and other people who work for FCMHA?

It depends.  Some of them may set up their own organizations and apply to become part of the provider network.  Most have elected to work for the provider chosen to deliver the service.  Therefore, you most likely will continue to see the same person.

 (7)   Who will choose the providers that serve me?

You will get to choose.  For example, if there are multiple providers available to offer the services you receive, you can choose any one of them.  FCMHA will not move you to a provider you don’t want.

 (8)   Who do I call to gain access to services?

Call FCMHA at 1-877-619-3761.  You will receive an initial telephone screening to determine 1) whether there is a need for an MH/DD/SA service and 2) the urgency of the request, i.e., is it an emergent, urgent or routine call.  If it is determined that services are needed, you will be given an appointment to see a therapist within 7 days for a routine case.  If you are in a crisis situation, we will see you the very same day as when you call.

 (9)   What if there are no providers that offer the services I need?

FCMHA will continue offering the services it does now until other providers are selected.  No service will be stopped until we find other providers.

 (10)  What if I don’t like any of the providers who are offering the services that I receive?

You will have to choose one of them.  FCMHA will no longer offer these services once other providers are found.

 (11)  I receive many different services from FCMHA.  Will I have to receive all these services from one provider?

No.

 (12)  I already have a lot of appointments scheduled at FCMHA.  What do I do now?

You will be told when it is time to start seeing another provider.  Until then, you don’t need to do anything different.  If you are receiving more than one kind of service, then those services may not change over to other providers at the same time.  But you will be given plenty of notice when it is time to choose and start seeing another provider.

 (13)  But I like my doctor and my case manager.  Will I have to lose them?

FCMHA will continue to provide case management and psychiatric services, therefore, there will be no immediate change.

(14)  What if I need help choosing another provider?  

If you wish, FCMHA will be happy to help you make the best choice.  See your case manager or if you do not have one, see care management staff.

 (15)  What will it cost to get services from another provider?

You probably will not pay any more than you do now.  It will depend on what insurance, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and disability payments you have.

 (16)  Where will my services be provided?

Many of the buildings now used by FCMHA will be used by the other providers.  The clinics in Granville, Franklin and Warren Counties will house the therapists/counselors that you will see.  In Vance County, therapists/counselors will move to the McBride Building at 630 S. Garnett Street.

 (17)  Will I lose any of the services that I am receiving now?

FCMHA will not discontinue any service it is providing until another provider is chosen for that service.

 (18)  Will I lose my SSDI or any other benefits?

FCMHA does not control what benefits you receive.  However, any benefits you are receiving now will not be affected by the change in services.  FCMHA can help you get answers if you have questions about your benefits.

 (19)  What if I am not satisfied with my provider or the provider’s services?

FCMHA will continue to monitor the providers.  If you are not satisfied, you can contact the staff who work with you.  They will work to help solve the problem.  If you still are unsatisfied, you can choose another provider.

(20)  How can I get more information about these changes and talk with someone face to face about this?

Please call 1-877-619-3761 or 252-430-1330 and ask for a care management staff person.