WINDSOR, N.C. (WNCT) – Medicaid expansion has now been available in North Carolina for almost four months.
On Dec. 1, 2023, more than 273,000 North Carolinians were automatically enrolled. As of Tuesday, about 393,000 people have signed up. That’s getting closer to the 600,000 people the state predicts could be eligible.
“I think my best day as governor was on December first, when Medicaid expansion started,” said Governor Roy Cooper.
Expanded coverage is being taken advantage of by many, but there’s still work to be done. Bertie County is working to get more people signed up.
Care4Carolina is an organization that works to get North Carolinians insured. They hosted an event to get people signed up for Medicaid in Bertie and Washington Counties. They also met with leaders in those areas to see how they can continue to get more people to apply.
“About 1,700 people would qualify, we’ve now through today registered about 863,” said Ron Wesson, a Bertie County commissioner. “1,700 which is 10% of our total population. 1 out of 10 qualify and again that’s working people.”
For rural counties in Eastern North Carolina, getting people signed up is even more important.
“People in rural communities are three to four more times likely to be uninsured,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kody Kinsley. “Look, if people are uninsured, of course, it’s hard to keep providers there because people are walking through the door without a way to pay. Medicaid expansion changes that in rural communities.
“Secondly, we have to go to remind people that over 80 percent of the people that are benefiting from expansion are working families.”
Making sure these working families get health care is also a priority for the livelihood of rural communities.
“When residents are healthier, they are more likely to participate in the workforce contributing to the economic and well-being of the community,” said Brian Harvill, the president of three community ECU Health hospitals.
Now the hard work continues to make sure every North Carolinian gets the health care they deserve.
“When you sign up one person, not only do you change that person’s live in an extraordinary way, but you change it for the people around them,” Cooper said.
If you’re wondering if you qualify for this expansion, you can visit or call your local Department of Social Services. There are also online resources to answer questions and apply.
