GREENVILLE, N.C. — North Carolina’s new Medicaid coverage for low-income adults is on the verge of reaching its enrollment target of 600,000 much sooner than anticipated, with the count currently at 590,331. This announcement was made by Governor Roy Cooper as he marked the first anniversary of the Medicaid expansion, which began on December 1, 2023. The state’s initial projection estimated that it would take two years to meet this goal.
During an event in Greenville alongside officials from East Carolina University’s healthcare system, Cooper acknowledged the significance of the expansion and the various healthcare advancements achieved throughout his tenure as governor. With his term concluding at the end of the month due to term limits, Cooper reflected on his administration’s efforts to enhance healthcare access in North Carolina over the past eight years.
Cooper has been a vocal proponent of implementing the full Medicaid benefits under the 2010 Affordable Care Act for eligible adults aged 19-64 who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid. This initiative faced significant opposition from the Republican-led General Assembly for many years. However, after increased federal financial incentives, a bipartisan agreement led to the passing of a Medicaid expansion law in 2023, positioning North Carolina among a select few Southern states to adopt this coverage. The federal government covers 90% of the expansion costs, with the state supplementing through higher hospital assessments.
On the first day of enrollment, approximately 273,000 individuals, primarily those previously relying on Medicaid for family planning services, were included in the program. Nearly one-third of the new enrollees are from rural regions, and over the past year, this group has accessed 3.8 million prescriptions and utilized $58 million in dental services. North Carolina’s overall Medicaid enrollment now stands at 3 million.
The occasion was framed as one of several events this month to showcase the governor’s achievements before his departure. The announcement highlighted an innovative initiative launched this year, which promises increased Medicaid payments to nearly 100 hospitals if they forgive medical debt for low- and middle-income patients and adopt policies to prevent future liabilities. Additionally, it noted the appropriation of $835 million derived from Medicaid expansion incentives for enhanced mental health services and resources.