North Carolina to Begin Medicaid Expansion on December 1
Federal regulators have given the green light for North Carolina to extend Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of low-income adults starting on December 1, according to state health officials. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sent a letter to the state, confirming approval for changes to North Carolina’s Medicaid program to offer expanded coverage under the 2010 Affordable Care Act.
Approximately 600,000 adults aged 19 to 64, who earn too much for regular Medicaid but too little for subsidized private insurance, are expected to benefit from this expansion. The state Department of Health and Human Services estimates that about half of them will be enrolled right away.
Why It Matters
This expansion is a significant achievement that will enhance the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians, while also aiding healthcare providers and the state’s economy, according to Governor Roy Cooper.
Getting Ready for Expansion
While North Carolina had passed a Medicaid expansion law in March, it required approval of the state budget before implementation. The budget law recently took effect, allowing the enrollment process to be accelerated. The State Health Plan amendment proposal was submitted to federal regulators on August 15, with the official start date set for December 1.
Qualifying for Coverage
To be eligible for coverage, a single person can have an annual pretax income of up to $20,120, while a household of four can have an income of up to $41,400 for an adult to benefit.
Enrollment Assistance
County social services offices will assist residents who qualify for Medicaid expansion, especially those beyond the initial 300,000 who already have limited Medicaid family planning coverage and will be automatically enrolled. The Department of Health and Human Services has also launched a website with information about expansion for consumers and groups to help potential recipients find out more.
The expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina is a significant step toward improving healthcare access and coverage for many individuals and families in the state.