In a landmark achievement, North Carolina has surpassed its two-year goal for Medicaid Expansion enrollment in just one year, with over 600,000 residents now covered under the program. Governor Roy Cooper and state health officials celebrated the milestone, emphasizing the transformative impact this expanded access to healthcare has on individuals and families across the state.
“From day one, we set out to get people covered and get them care. Now, more than 600,000 people have the peace of mind that they can go to the doctor, get needed medications, and manage their chronic health conditions — that’s life-changing,” said Governor Cooper in a statement.
Medicaid Expansion officially launched on December 1, 2023, providing immediate access to healthcare for nearly 300,000 people previously enrolled in Medicaid Family Planning benefits. This swift transition marked the beginning of an ambitious statewide effort to enroll as many eligible residents as possible.
A Coordinated Effort for Community Health
North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) spearheaded a campaign titled “NC Medicaid for More People,” working alongside community organizations, local leaders, and advocates to reach every corner of the state. These partnerships were critical to spreading awareness about Medicaid Expansion through community events, bilingual resources, and innovative outreach efforts.
“Enrolling 600,000 people in just one year is a testament to the remarkable dedication of our partners and community leaders who worked tirelessly to help North Carolinians get covered and get care,” said NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley.
Real Impact on Rural and Underserved Communities
Medicaid Expansion has had a particularly significant effect on rural communities. More than one-third of the newly enrolled individuals, approximately 217,000 people, hail from rural areas. For these communities, often lacking adequate healthcare access, Medicaid Expansion represents a critical lifeline.
Among the services accessed in the past year:
• Over 4.15 million prescriptions have been filled, treating conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and seizures.
• Medicaid has covered $62.2 million in dental care claims for newly eligible individuals.
These numbers underscore how Medicaid Expansion is not just about access to care but also about preventing chronic conditions from escalating into costly emergencies.
What This Means for Bill City
Here in Bill City and surrounding areas, Medicaid Expansion has already begun changing lives. Local clinics report an uptick in patients seeking preventive care and managing long-ignored health conditions. With healthcare no longer out of reach, residents are healthier, more financially stable, and better equipped to contribute to their communities.
What’s Next
As enrollment continues, the state is focused on ensuring newly covered residents understand how to use their benefits. Information on eligibility and resources can be found on NCDHHS’s Medicaid Expansion webpage at Medicaid.nc.gov.
Medicaid Expansion’s success is a story of perseverance and collaboration, proving what can be achieved when government and communities unite for a common cause. With thousands of lives already improved, this program is a beacon of hope for the state’s future.
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