Medicaid

More than 200 people with disabilities and their supporters pressed state lawmakers to undo reimbursement reductions that have already slashed wages for caregivers.

Reductions in provider reimbursements are set to take effect on Oct. 1, as Republicans in NC's House and Senate failed to reach agreement on a Medicaid funding bill.

Unless lawmakers or the governor act, provider rate cuts of up to 10% will take effect Wednesday, jeopardizing access to services across the state.

North Carolina’s Medicaid system is grappling with funding shortfalls, both from the state budget and from the Congressional megabill. The state Department of Health and Human Services says it will reduce provider reimbursement rates and cut coverage for popular weight-loss drugs on Oct. 1 after state lawmakers failed to approve additional funding.

Medicaid coverage will likely be cut next month – and state employees and teachers will continue to go without raises – after Republican legislative leaders concluded a session Tuesday without reaching a compromise on most state budget issues.

State lawmakers are back in Raleigh this week, but Republicans still haven't reached an agreement on a budget and Medicaid funding.

North Carolina's so-called Medicaid "rebase" comes up more than $300 million short of what state health officials say they need.

Medicaid is under threat in NC and nationwide. Losing insurance is more than an inconvenience. Research shows that disruptions to insurance coverage can have serious health consequences.

N.C. Governor Josh Stein said the General Assembly must take steps to protect Medicaid expansion and provide food assistance.

Critics of the federal proposal to impose a work requirement on Medicaid recipients warn that red tape — not unemployment — would drive people off the rolls.