North Carolina Reaches Milestone with Over 500,000 Enrolled in Medicaid Expansion
More than 500,000 residents have enrolled in North Carolina’s Medicaid expansion program since its launch seven months ago, with officials celebrating the significant milestone.
Bollywood Fever: In a significant milestone for North Carolina’s healthcare system, over 500,000 residents have enrolled in the state’s Medicaid expansion program since its launch seven months ago. Governor Roy Cooper, alongside North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley and two healthcare professionals, announced the achievement at a news conference on Friday.
The governor’s office reported that as of Friday morning, 503,967 individuals had signed up for the expanded Medicaid program. This comes as a major accomplishment for Cooper, who has been advocating for Medicaid expansion since he took office in 2017. The original goal was to enroll 600,000 people within two years, making the current enrollment numbers a promising start.
“We never, ever, ever gave up. And that’s why we’re standing here today,” Cooper stated, reflecting on the persistent efforts to expand Medicaid.
The expansion plan, which received bipartisan support from state legislators last year, went live on December 1. In its initial weeks, nearly 300,000 people signed up for coverage. Under the Affordable Care Act of 2010, the federal government covers 90% of the expansion costs.
Secretary Kody Kinsley highlighted the impact of the expansion, noting that almost 2 million prescriptions have been filled for new enrollees, addressing chronic conditions like seizures and heart diseases. Additionally, there has been a noticeable increase in dental service claims under Medicaid due to the expansion.
“We’re not just getting people covered. We are getting people care,” Kinsley emphasized.
During the conference, Kinsley also called for increasing provider rates in the Medicaid program, a measure included in Cooper’s budget proposal for the year. This move aims to further enhance the quality of care provided to Medicaid recipients.
The expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina marks a significant step towards improving healthcare access for residents, ensuring that more individuals receive necessary medical attention and support.
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