How would Medicaid expansion help North Carolinians?
Medicaid expansion would provide healthcare coverage for over 600,000 North Carolinians who are currently uninsured. A large percentage of the people in the coverage gap work in low wage jobs or small businesses that don't offer health insurance. Many of those who don't work are caregivers, have chronic illnesses or are disabled; some are students, retired, or can't find work. Some 12,000 veterans would also be eligible for health insurance. These North Carolinians deserve healthcare coverage! Plus, expanding Medicaid would be fiscally responsible and help our rural areas.
There's more!
Expanding Medicaid will not add costs to the State Budget. In fact, expanding Medicaid right now means that the federal government will cover 90% of the cost both now and in the future. Not only that, under the American Rescue Plan, North Carolina can also get more than $1 billion in additional federal funding.
*sources: research from
North Carolina Justice Center and the LWV-Wake
Healthcare Committee.
Why now?
On June 2, 2022, the Senate passed House Bill 149, a Medicaid expansion measure, overwhelmingly and with bipartisan support. Prior to now, the NC General Assembly has rejected expanding Medicaid to provide coverage for those who fall within the coverage gap.
This is a major step toward providing coverage for over 600,000 North Carolinians, but it still needs to pass the House. There is significant opposition to even considering the bill in that chamber.
With your help, we could change that! We need to make our voices heard!