South Raleigh News

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that over 600,000 individuals have enrolled in Medicaid Expansion within its first year of implementation. This milestone was achieved in half the time initially projected.

"From day one, we set out to get people covered and get them care. Now, more than 600,000 people have the peace of mind that they can go to the doctor, get needed medications and manage their chronic health conditions — that's life-changing," said Governor Cooper. "This is a monumental achievement for North Carolina."

NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley remarked on the unexpected speed of enrollment: "When expansion launched, we estimated it would take up to two years to enroll 600,000 newly eligible individuals and families into Medicaid. Instead, we accomplished that achievement in the first year — a testament to the remarkable dedication of our many partners and community leaders across the state to help North Carolinians get covered and get care."

Medicaid Expansion began on December 1, 2023. The state quickly moved to provide full health coverage for nearly 300,000 people who were already receiving Medicaid Family Planning benefits. Various state partners collaborated with community-based organizations and local advocates as part of NCDHHS' NC Medicaid for More People campaign. Their efforts included hosting events, attending community fairs and expos, providing bilingual presentations and toolkits, coordinating resources and partnerships, among other initiatives aimed at spreading awareness about expansion.

In its first year:

- 4.15 million prescriptions were filled by enrollees for various health issues.

- $62.2 million in dental service claims were covered by Medicaid for those enrolled through expansion.

- Over 217,183 members from rural communities gained access to health coverage.

NCDHHS’ website continues to offer information regarding eligibility criteria for Medicaid Expansion as well as application guidance.

For further details about Medicaid Expansion or to find resources related to it, visit Medicaid.nc.gov.