South Raleigh News

Governor Josh Stein and Dr. Dev Sangvai, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, held a roundtable in Charlotte to discuss the potential impacts of proposed federal Medicaid cuts. The event included health care professionals and Medicaid beneficiaries who emphasized the importance of maintaining Medicaid funding.

"Protecting North Carolinians’ health care access is critically important," said Governor Stein. He praised bipartisan efforts to expand Medicaid in North Carolina and urged Congress to protect this vital program.

Currently, over three million residents, or one in four North Carolinians, benefit from NC Medicaid. This includes more than 640,000 individuals who gained coverage through recent expansions.

Dr. Sangvai highlighted that new enrollees are receiving essential care with millions of prescriptions filled for various conditions. "Medicaid increases access to high-quality care for individuals, children, and families," he stated.

The discussion was hosted by Care Ring, a non-profit organization serving Charlotte's community for nearly 70 years. Mecklenburg County has the highest number of Medicaid enrollees in the state.

Care Ring CEO Tchernavia Montgomery noted that expansion has allowed more families to access affordable healthcare services. "I thank the Governor for highlighting our organization’s critical work," she said.

Tashenda Gibson, an early childhood caregiver enrolled in NC Medicaid, shared her personal experience with the program's benefits during her pregnancy and postpartum period.

"NC Medicaid has been a life-saving component of care for me and my family," Gibson remarked after recently welcoming a healthy baby girl.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings also spoke on how Medicaid positively affects public safety by providing resources during mental health crises. "Providing resources for those in crisis contributes to a safer community," he explained.

Despite broad support for Medicaid, Congress is considering significant cuts that could result in a $6 billion loss for North Carolina's healthcare providers and affect over 640,000 residents' coverage. These proposals may also impact state costs and economic stability negatively.

Other participants included Dr. Raynard Washington from Mecklenburg County Public Health Department; Dr. April Milan Miller from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center; Eddie Caldwell from NC Sheriffs’ Association; State Representatives Caleb Theodros (HD-41) and Carla Cunningham (HD-106).

Earlier this week, Governor Stein sent a letter urging North Carolina’s congressional delegation to oppose any budget proposal cutting Medicaid funds while emphasizing its role in strengthening communities across rural areas with affordable coverage supporting both workforce needs as well as businesses statewide.