Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina announced that 650,000 new individuals have secured health care access through the state’s Medicaid expansion, less than 18 months since its inception. This initiative has provided coverage to veterans and workers in sectors such as child care, construction, and hospitality.
Governor Stein emphasized the collaboration required to achieve this progress: “Medicaid expansion shows what is possible when our state’s leaders come together in a bipartisan effort to serve North Carolinians.” He praised the program’s effectiveness, stating, “North Carolina’s Medicaid program is innovative and fiscally responsible. It delivers for taxpayers, helps keep people healthy, supports businesses and workforce and drives access to health care in rural communities.”
Since the expansion commenced on December 1, 2023, notable outcomes include over 6.1 million prescriptions filled for various health conditions, and $86 million in claims for dental services covered. Additionally, more than 233,000 individuals from rural areas, often lacking health care access, have enrolled in Medicaid.
The expansion has also positively impacted overdose statistics in the state, with emergency department visits for overdoses reducing by 29% and suspected overdose deaths decreasing by 27% from 2023 to 2024. The availability of behavioral health providers has increased since the expansion.
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai highlighted the broader benefits of the expansion, noting, “From a regular check-up, to specialized care for a chronic condition, to filling a prescription without worrying about high co-pays, getting health coverage is life-changing for people in every county.”
NC Medicaid now provides coverage to over one in four North Carolinians, including more than 3 million children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. Despite the program’s success, federal proposals for significant funding cuts pose a threat to its sustainability, which could negatively affect health outcomes and economic stability in the state.
Resources and further details about the Medicaid expansion, including how to apply, are available on the NCDHHS’ Medicaid Expansion webpage and the Medicaid Expansion Dashboard, offering insights into its impact across North Carolina’s 100 counties.
