BEULAVILLE— Eastpointe announced this week that it will increase the rate it pays for services through the NC Innovations Waiver, which helps individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to live independently.

Eastpointe receives a set amount of money each year for Medicaid-funded NC Innovations Waiver services and its management of the funds has resulted in cost savings. By increasing the rate it pays to providers that deliver these services, Eastpointe is reinvesting those cost savings back into its communities.

The rate of increase will be up to 7 percent, with a potential financial impact of more than $5 million for service providers. The rate increase applies to personal care, in-home skill building for individuals, day supports, residential supports, respite care and more. The increase takes effect May 1.

“The rates for these services have remained unchanged for 10 years. We recognize the soaring costs of service provision, and hope that this rate increase will help bring rates in line with what it costs to provide the service. We believe that this rate increase will help our providers recruit and retain highly qualified employees. The quality and stability of our providers is critical to ensuring the health and safety of the members served by Eastpointe,” said Sarah Stroud, CEO of Eastpointe.

Eastpointe is a local managed care organization that manages, coordinates, and monitors mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance use services in Robeson, Bladen, Columbus, Duplin, Edgecombe, Greene, Lenoir, Nash, Sampson, Scotland, Wayne, and Wilson counties.