North Carolina's new Medicaid coverage for low-income adults has seen remarkable success, with over 600,000 individuals enrolling in the program within a year of its expansion. This achievement surpasses the state's enrollment goal in half the projected time, marking a significant milestone in providing healthcare access to those in need.
Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, a staunch supporter of Medicaid expansion, hailed the enrollment figures as a 'monumental achievement.' The program's success is evident in the improved access to healthcare services for hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians.
Despite initial resistance in the GOP-controlled General Assembly, bipartisan support led to the approval of Medicaid expansion last year. The federal government covers 90% of the expansion costs, incentivizing states to participate in the program.
Within weeks of the program's launch, 300,000 individuals had already enrolled, demonstrating the strong demand for expanded healthcare coverage. North Carolina now joins a select group of Southern states that have embraced Medicaid expansion.
Rural communities have particularly benefited from the program, with over a third of enrollees coming from these areas. The impact is evident in the 4.1 million prescriptions filled for heart health, diabetes, and other conditions, highlighting the tangible health improvements resulting from the expanded coverage.
