Summary:
Current Status of Medicaid Expansion in State:
State will not expand Medicaid.
Decision Process:
Regular legislative process.
Background:
· Currently:
19% of North Carolinians are enrolled in Medicaid. 83% of beneficiaries have managed care. The state’s current program covers up to 200% FPL depending on the specific program.
· Expansion:
Expansion of Medicaid to 133% FPL would be a 38% increase over current enrollment.
· Process:
Both Democratic outgoing Governor Beverly Purdue and Republican incoming Governor Pat McCrory have emphasized thorough study and understanding of long term implications of the ACA before determining a course of action for the expansion.
State Activity:
· Governor-elect McCrory said that he would work in consultation with other governors, advisors, and experts before making a decision on the expansion. Since then he cited the decision to not expand the state's Medicaid program as a result of very high administrative costs and other program inefficiencies that must be corrected first.
· Public forums have been held by advocacy and church groups. The state government has offered public webinars and has included stakeholder input in its study.
· North Carolina has released several studies of an EHB benchmark for the exchange which may be used as a reference for the expansion, but is not sufficient study or a determination for Medicaid expansion.
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