In an effort to secure necessary funding for North Carolina's Medicaid program, Governor Josh Stein has called an extra session of the state legislature, as reported yesterday, November 6. Citing the urgent need for continued support of the three million North Carolinians who rely on this service, Stein announced the assembly will reconvene on November 17, 2025. According to the Governor's Office, this move comes after unsuccessful attempts by the General Assembly to pass proposals fully funding Medicaid, leading to cuts that took effect on October 1.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, several advocates shared their personal accounts. Demi Eckhoff, a disability advocate, indicated that Medicaid funding cuts could inadvertently result in her losing vital support professionals, proclaiming, “If I don’t have my DSPs, I am at risk of going to the hospital, where I can’t work or study,” North Carolina Office of the Governor reported.
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai called for unity underlining the program's significance, with “NC Medicaid is a critical driver in the health of North Carolinians, and we all agree it needs to be fully funded. Let's come together and get it done," in a statement obtained by the Governor's Office. Further underscoring Medicaid's reach, the service is particularly crucial in several rural counties, covering more than half of their populations.
Dr. Karen Smith, a rural family medicine doctor, reinforced these sentiments stating, "Medicaid is a lifeline from the very beginning right down to the end of life.” This point of view is shared by Betsy MacMichael, another disability advocate whose daughter depends on Medicaid, affirmatively stated, “Without Medicaid, she would lose the independence she’s fought so hard for,” according to the information publicized by North Carolina Office of the Governor.
Despite repeated notifications to the General Assembly's Fiscal Research Division since May 2025 regarding Medicaid's impending fiscal shortage, no resolution has yet been achieved. Governor Stein proposed three potential remedies: total funding at $319 million, partial funding coupled with delayed cuts, or the utilization of the $500 million Medicaid Contingency Reserve.
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