North Raleigh Today

Governor Josh Stein has addressed a letter to Congressional leaders, urging them to reconsider proposed federal cuts to the Medicaid program. He highlighted the potential impact on North Carolina, emphasizing the importance of Medicaid for over 3 million residents.

"Medicaid is a lifeline for more than 3 million North Carolinians and disproportionately serves our rural population," Governor Stein stated. "I strongly urge Congress to oppose cuts to Medicaid funding so that hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians do not lose their health care and our rural health care system is not devastated."

The Medicaid program in North Carolina significantly contributes to the state's economy, adding at least $28 billion annually. It plays a vital role in supporting vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. In 29 primarily rural counties, over 40 percent of the population relies on Medicaid for their health care needs. The program has been efficiently managed without cost overruns over the past 11 years.

In March 2023, the state's General Assembly passed Medicaid expansion with broad bipartisan support. This expansion has allowed more than 640,000 residents access to affordable health care and helped stabilize rural hospitals across North Carolina. However, one of the proposed federal cuts would reduce the enhanced federal match for this expanded group, potentially ending Medicaid expansion in the state and leaving these individuals without coverage.

Reductions in Medicaid funding could threaten access to essential health services for many residents and destabilize the health care system by removing $6 billion in federal funds from providers.