North Raleigh Today

As of April 2025, approximately 650,000 newly eligible residents in North Carolina have enrolled in Medicaid following the program's expansion. This development has provided essential healthcare access to diverse groups, including veterans and workers across several crucial industries such as child care, construction, and hospitality.

Governor Josh Stein emphasized the bipartisan nature of this achievement, stating, "Medicaid expansion shows what is possible when our state’s leaders come together in a bipartisan effort to serve North Carolinians." He also remarked on the program’s innovative approach and fiscal responsibility, highlighting its benefits to taxpayers, the workforce, and rural healthcare access. Stein voiced concerns over potential federal cuts, declaring the importance of protecting Medicaid in North Carolina.

Notable outcomes since the launch include the filling of 6.1 million prescriptions and $86 million in dental claims covered for the expansion group. The expansion has notably impacted rural areas, enrolling over 233,000 members, accounting for more than a third of all newly eligible individuals. Additionally, there has been a decline in overdose-related emergency visits and deaths, with behavioral health services increasing.

NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai highlighted the program's impact on health and economic stability, noting, "From a regular check-up, to specialized care for a chronic condition, to filling a prescription without worrying about high co-pays, getting health coverage is life-changing for people in every county."

Medicaid now extends affordable healthcare coverage to over three million residents in North Carolina, covering children, older adults, people with disabilities, and working adults. Despite its support, the program faces significant threats from proposed federal cuts, which could adversely affect North Carolina’s economy and health outcomes, particularly in rural areas.

For detailed information on Medicaid expansion and eligibility, NCDHHS offers resources through its Medicaid Expansion webpage and Dashboard.