North Carolina's Medicaid expansion program has seen remarkable success, with over 500,000 residents enrolling since its launch seven months ago. This achievement was highlighted in a recent announcement by state officials. The initial target of enrolling 600,000 individuals over a two-year period is well on its way to being met, as the current number of enrollees stands at 503,967.
Governor Roy Cooper has been a staunch advocate for expanding Medicaid, a goal that has now come to fruition with bipartisan support from state legislators. The program, which began on December 1, has garnered significant interest, with nearly 300,000 people signing up in the initial weeks. Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government covers 90% of the program's costs.
The impact of the expansion is evident in the healthcare services being accessed by new enrollees. Nearly 2 million prescriptions have been filled, addressing chronic conditions like seizures and heart diseases. Additionally, dental services have seen a surge in claims, indicating improved access to essential care.
Secretary Kody Kinsley emphasized the importance of not just providing coverage but ensuring individuals receive necessary care. He also advocated for increasing provider rates within the Medicaid program, a proposal included in Governor Cooper's budget for this year.
