Article Summary –
More than 500,000 North Carolina residents have enrolled in the state’s Medicaid expansion program within seven months of its commencement, which started on December 1st last year. This expansion, a major goal of Governor Roy Cooper since he took office in 2017, has seen bipartisan support and aims to enroll 600,000 people in two years, with the federal government covering 90% of the cost under the Affordable Care Act. The expansion has led to nearly 2 million prescriptions being filled and increased dental claims, and there are calls for increasing provider rates in the Medicaid program as part of Cooper’s budget proposal.
Over 500,000 North Carolina residents have enrolled in the state’s Medicaid expansion program since it launched seven months ago, officials announced Friday.
Gov. Roy Cooper Celebrates Milestone
Gov. Roy Cooper, with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley and two healthcare professionals, held a news conference to highlight the enrollment achievement. Originally, the goal was to enroll 600,000 people in two years, Cooper said.
As of Friday morning, 503,967 people had enrolled, according to the governor’s office.
Medicaid Expansion Under Affordable Care Act
Cooper, since taking office in 2017, aimed to expand Medicaid. The plan, receiving bipartisan support, started Dec. 1. Nearly 300,000 signed up within weeks. The federal government covers 90% of the cost under the 2010 Affordable Care Act.
“We never, ever, ever gave up. And that’s why we’re standing here today,” Cooper stated.
Impact on Health Services
Nearly 2 million prescriptions, treating chronic conditions like seizures and heart diseases, have been filled for newly enrolled Medicaid users, Kinsley said. Dental services claims have also increased under Medicaid expansion.
“We’re not just getting people covered. We are getting people care,” Kinsley emphasized.
He also advocated for higher provider rates in the Medicaid program, which is part of Cooper’s budget proposal.
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