North Wake News

Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Dev Sangvai held a roundtable in Charlotte to address the potential impacts of proposed federal Medicaid cuts. The discussion included health care professionals, Medicaid beneficiaries, and was hosted by Care Ring, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing health services.

Governor Stein emphasized the importance of maintaining Medicaid funding, stating, “Protecting North Carolinians’ health care access is critically important.” He praised bipartisan efforts in the state to expand Medicaid and urged Congress to protect this essential program.

Currently, over three million people in North Carolina benefit from NC Medicaid, with more than 640,000 gaining access under recent expansions. Secretary Sangvai noted that new enrollees are receiving critical care through Medicaid. “Medicaid increases access to high-quality care for individuals, children and families,” he said.

Care Ring CEO Tchernavia Montgomery highlighted how Medicaid expansion has helped more families in Charlotte receive necessary health care. She expressed gratitude towards Governor Stein for acknowledging their work and raising awareness about protecting vulnerable populations' health care.

Tashenda Gibson, an early childhood caregiver enrolled in NC Medicaid, shared her personal experience. “NC Medicaid has been a life-saving component of care for me and my family,” she stated.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings also participated, noting the positive impact of Medicaid on public safety. He remarked that resources provided by Medicaid help create safer communities by reducing law enforcement interventions related to untreated mental health issues.

The roundtable comes amid congressional proposals for significant cuts to Medicaid that could result in a $6 billion loss for North Carolina’s healthcare providers and potentially cause over 640,000 residents to lose coverage. Other participants included Dr. Raynard Washington from Mecklenburg County Public Health Department; Dr. April Milan Miller from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center; Eddie Caldwell from NC Sheriffs’ Association; State Representatives Caleb Theodros and Carla Cunningham.

Earlier this week, Governor Stein sent a letter urging North Carolina’s congressional delegation to oppose any budget proposals including cuts to Medicaid.