As of the first four months since the launch of North Carolina’s Medicaid expansion program for low-income adults, enrollment has surpassed 400,000 individuals, according to Governor Roy Cooper. This program provides full health benefits coverage to adults aged 19-64 who earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid. The expansion was implemented in December 2023, following the completion of necessary steps by lawmakers to comply with the federal Affordable Care Act. On the first day of enrollment, nearly 273,000 people, most of whom were receiving Medicaid for family-planning coverage, were covered, with an average of over 1,000 people enrolling daily since then, exceeding the pace of other states with Medicaid expansion.
The Department of Health and Human Services in North Carolina projects that enrollment under the expansion program will reach 600,000 within the next two years. The department is collaborating with various health organizations and nonprofits to increase enrollment numbers. Many of the enrollees are young adults or reside in rural communities. Expansion recipients have already seen the benefits, with over 700,000 prescriptions filled and more than $11 million in dental service claims generated. This indicates that individuals are not just getting coverage but also receiving essential care, as stated by DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley in a social media video.
Governor Cooper, a Democrat who took office in 2017, had been advocating for Medicaid expansion since then, urging the Republican-controlled General Assembly to accept the expansion. The legislature and Cooper enacted an expansion law in March 2023, but a separate state budget law was also required for implementation. The federal government covers 90% of the cost of expansion, with the remaining 10% funded through an increased assessment on hospitals. Enrollment in the program also means North Carolina is eligible to receive a $1.8 billion bonus over two years from the federal government. DHHS has already distributed $198 million of this bonus to various government, health, education, and nonprofit initiatives.
The rapid enrollment numbers in North Carolina’s Medicaid expansion demonstrate the positive impact it is having on the state’s residents. The program offers essential health coverage to low-income adults who were previously unable to access Medicaid benefits. By working closely with health organizations and nonprofits, the state is ensuring that eligible individuals are made aware of and enrolled in the program. The expansion is particularly beneficial for young adults and those living in rural communities, who may face barriers to accessing healthcare. The increase in prescriptions filled and dental service claims processed further highlights the tangible benefits that expansion recipients are experiencing.
The collaboration between various stakeholders, including the state government, health organizations, and nonprofits, has been instrumental in the success of North Carolina’s Medicaid expansion. By leveraging federal funding and increasing enrollment rates, the state is able to provide essential healthcare services to a larger population. The distribution of the federal bonus to government initiatives and non-profit organizations demonstrates a commitment to improving overall health outcomes and access to care for all North Carolinians. Moving forward, continued efforts to promote and expand Medicaid coverage will be crucial in ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care and support they need to lead healthier lives.
In conclusion, North Carolina’s Medicaid expansion has been a significant milestone in providing healthcare coverage to low-income adults in the state. The rapid enrollment numbers and positive impact on beneficiaries demonstrate the importance of expanding access to Medicaid services. By collaborating with various stakeholders and leveraging federal funding, the state is able to enhance healthcare outcomes and address disparities in access to care. Moving forward, continued efforts to increase enrollment and promote the benefits of Medicaid expansion will be essential in ensuring that all eligible individuals can benefit from this vital program.
