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Vaya Health

Moving forward together

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Our History

Our History

Our roots go back to 1972, when we were founded under the name Smoky Mountain Center. Initially, we provided direct services and operated group homes and other facilities in the state’s seven westernmost counties. We continued to grow as an organization throughout the seventies, eighties and nineties.

In 2001, North Carolina implemented reforms related to public behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disability service delivery. We transitioned from an area program to a local management entity (LME), ceasing direct service provision and assuming the role of a manager of care delivered by area providers. We went on to successfully complete mergers with neighboring LMEs to our north and east.

In June 2011, the state Legislature expanded the Medicaid 1915(b)/(c) Waiver statewide. We transitioned to a full LME/MCO on July 1, 2012, now serving both state-funded and Medicaid members. In 2013, we merged with Asheville’s Western Highlands Network.

To better reflect the geography of our growing catchment area, in 2016 we assumed the name Vaya Health, with a focus on moving forward as an organization and helping the individuals we serve find stability, recovery and hope.

Learn more about our consolidation with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare and how Vaya is preparing for the launch of the Behavioral Health and Intellectual/ Developmental Disability Tailored Plan. 

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Need Help?

Finding care can be confusing sometimes. At Vaya Health, we make it easier. The process starts with a phone call to our 24/7 Access to Care Line at 1-800-849-6127. 

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  • 24-hour Access to Care
    1-800-849-6127
  • Business Line
    828-225-2785​
  • 200 Ridgefield Ct,
    Asheville, NC 28806

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Accreditation

URAC Accredited Health Call Center URAC Accredited Health Utilization Management URAC Accredited Health Network .
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Contact us

  • 24-hour Access to Care
    1-800-849-6127
  • Business Line
    828-225-2785​
  • 200 Ridgefield Ct,
    Asheville, NC 28806

Quicklinks

  • Contact Us
  • Crisis Help
  • Find a Provider
  • Event Calendar
  • Member Handbook
  • Member Rights and Responsibilities
  • Grievances and Complaints
  • Appeals
  • Careers

MAIN MENU

  • Vayahealth
  • Learn more
  • Get Help
  • Get Involved
  • Get to Know Us
  • PROVIDER CENTRAL
  • Website Privacy Policy

Accreditation

URAC Accredited Health Call Center URAC Accredited Health Utilization Management URAC Accredited Health Network .
Twitter Facebook-f Linkedin