North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has sharply criticized the state's legislative leaders for their refusal to fund Medicaid, a move that could leave many in the state without vital healthcare services. The governor's censure was in response to Speaker Destin Hall and President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, who have yet to greenlight funding for the program amid a drawn-out budget stalemate.
In an Office of the Governor statement, Stein berated the congressional leadership, suggesting that they preferred crafting excuses over addressing the healthcare needs of their constituents. "Speaker Hall and President Pro Tempore Berger would rather come up with excuses than fund Medicaid for the people of North Carolina," Stein said. At a time when proactive measures are imperative, the Governor points out the urgency of enacting a comprehensive budget as the leadership 'are on vacation'.
Not pulling punches, Stein accused both House Speaker Hall and Senate President Pro Tempore Berger of suffering from a "dysfunction" that has become all too common in the operations of the North Carolina General Assembly. The two have been criticized before for their hand in gerrymandering, which Stein referenced as evidence of their patterned negligence.
Stein's rebuke went on to highlight the severity of the situation and the immediate impacts that the lack of funding is having on healthcare providers and patients alike. "They are forcing health care providers to make painful decisions to stop accepting Medicaid patients, cut salaries, reduce critical services, or close altogether," according to the North Carolina Office of the Governor statement. And without necessary funding, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services faces a troubling predicament unable to charge health care costs to credit, as households across the state feel the tightening financial grip.
The Governor called for unified action not only from his political colleagues but also from the citizens of North Carolina. He urged residents to push their representatives in the General Assembly to step up to the plate and fulfill their duties. "I will keep fighting for the health care of North Carolinians. I urge your representatives to do the same," said Governor Stein, further calling on North Carolinians to demand action from their legislators, as per the North Carolina Office of the Governor website.
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