North Wake News

Governor Josh Stein has addressed a letter to Congressional leaders, urging them to reconsider proposed federal cuts to the Medicaid program. He emphasized the potential impact on North Carolina, where Medicaid serves as a crucial support system for over 3 million residents.

"Medicaid is a lifeline for more than 3 million North Carolinians and disproportionately serves our rural population," stated Governor Stein. "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 plays a significant role in the state's economy, contributing at least $28 billion annually. It supports vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. In 29 predominantly rural counties, 40 percent or more of the population relies on Medicaid for healthcare services. Over the past eleven years, the program has been managed efficiently without exceeding budget limits.

In March 2023, bipartisan support in North Carolina's General Assembly led to the passage of Medicaid expansion. This initiative has since allowed over 640,000 residents access to affordable healthcare and helped stabilize rural hospitals across the state. One proposed cut threatens to reduce the enhanced federal match for this expanded population, potentially ending Medicaid expansion in North Carolina and leaving these individuals without coverage.

Governor Stein highlighted that any reductions in Medicaid funding could endanger access to essential healthcare services for these groups and destabilize the healthcare system overall. Such cuts could result in a loss of $6 billion in federal funds allocated to healthcare providers.

The full text of Governor Stein’s letter can be accessed through provided links.