North Carolina expanded their Medicaid program just 18 months ago, providing access to preventive care and vital services to 650,000 patients. Now, up to 195,000 of those North Carolinians are at risk of losing coverage following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), which includes more than $900 billion in cuts nationwide.
These cuts will also have broad implications for all North Carolinians, not just those who rely on Medicaid – as health care providers across the state reduce services or hospitals and care centers shutter their operations, especially in rural areas.
How Medicaid cuts threaten access to care for millions of people
In a recent piece from The Washington Post, state health officials illustrated the crucial role Medicaid plays in keeping all North Carolinians healthy and sounded the alarm on what’s at stake as Medicaid cuts loom over the state:
- “Devdutta Sangvai, the state’s top health official, told legislators in a letter last week that … New administrative costs to restrict eligibility under the federal law are among the long-term factors that risk ‘a fundamental erosion of the NC Medicaid program’ … Reduced rates ‘could drive providers out of the Medicaid program, threatening access to care for those who need it most.’”
- “North Carolina’s 100 counties, each of which handle Medicaid enrollment differently, will need to verify the eligibility of beneficiaries twice a year instead of annually. More than half the counties already have a monthly backlog in processing new Medicaid applications and renewals, according to Jay Ludlam, deputy secretary for the state’s Medicaid program.”
- “Alison Bartel teared up as she talked about how Medicaid expansion transformed the lives of her patients in Stovall … She worries the stricter verification and work requirements could cause her patients to fall out of the program. If overburdened counties don’t make patients aware of the new rules, they could lose coverage without knowing it. And that can carry serious consequences.”
“Medicaid is David’s village”: How families are grappling with the reality of Medicaid cuts
The New York Times chronicled the impact of Medicaid cuts on North Carolina residents Rachel Roth Aldhizer and her son, David, who is managing severe disabilities. The network of nurses, providers and clinicians in David’s care community makes his life possible; now, Rachel contends with the reality of what happens next.
- “I’m a registered Republican who just watched her party spend much of the summer pushing through new cuts to Medicaid. I’m also here to tell you why I’m an unlikely supporter of the program. My son’s life depends on government assistance. Recent cuts to Medicaid at both the federal and state levels mean millions of families like mine could soon be at a loss for how to care for our disabled loved ones.”
- “Caring for David is holy work, but it takes a village. His extensive medical conditions mean he meets the criteria for institutionalized care. But because of Medicaid, David is able to live at home, where he belongs, surrounded by people who love him.”
- “Doctors’ appointments, surgeries, many therapies, adaptive equipment, specialized food, medical supplies, respite care workers (who provide temporary relief to caregivers) and more are all provided for him by Medicaid. I am even paid a living wage to care for my son. David’s life simply wouldn’t be possible without this program — which keeps him healthy and alive. Medicaid is David’s village.”
- “I am a Medicaid provider because I am paid to care for my son, as are my son’s physical therapists, occupational therapists, primary care physicians, specialists, case managers and others. I expect my provider rate to be reduced by 8 percent effective Oct. 1 if no further action is taken by the state legislature to fully fund the North Carolina Medicaid program.”
- “Like all states, North Carolina’s Medicaid program operates by having the federal government match its state spending … One source estimates that North Carolina will experience a $1.1 billion total reduction in Medicaid services.”
Policymakers must take steps to protect access to coverage and essential health care services for the patients and communities who rely on Medicaid. For more information on Medicaid’s vital role, visit https://modernmedicaid.org.