North Carolina is preparing for Medicaid funding cuts set to begin on Wednesday next week. Governor Josh Stein has urged the General Assembly to take action to prevent the reductions. Stein directed the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to identify areas where cuts could be reversed if the legislature provides additional funding, according to a press release on the Governor’s official website.
The press release states that Stein emphasized the effects of insufficient funding, noting the need to protect health care access for North Carolinians. Clinics such as Alliance Medical Ministry are anticipating an increase in patients seeking care. Director Pete Tannebaum said patients often delay treatment until they are seriously ill, leading to higher costs and more emergency room visits.
Chelsea Grey, a Medicaid recipient and disability advocate, said that she is concerned about maintaining access to necessary care and urged lawmakers to act.
The NCDHHS has sent notices to providers about the new payment rates taking effect on Wednesday next week. The press release adds that Stein remains open to working with the General Assembly to secure funding to keep the Medicaid program fully operational even without a finalized state budget.
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