This week, North Carolina Republicans confirmed that their budget proposal won’t include Medicaid expansion. This is devastating and dangerous to the more than 600,000 working North Carolinians who would benefit from the expansion outlined in Governor Cooper’s budget.

“The most recent public health crisis highlights the necessity for access to high-quality health care,” said NCDP Chair Bobbie Richardson. “Life saving health care should be a right for all, not a privilege for a wealthy few. North Carolina needs a budget that invests in rural hospitals, internet expansion for telehealth, and takes advantage of more than $1 billion in federal funds to expand Medicaid.”

Gov. Cooper’s budget provides access to health care for more than 600,000 working North Carolinians, keeps rural hospitals open and strong, reduces the number of uninsured veterans, helps fight the opioid epidemic, and injects over $5 billion in direct investment into the state by expanding Medicaid. No taxes would be increased to achieve this major expansion of health care access, and President Biden’s American Rescue Plan provides an additional $1.7 billion in federal funds to support Medicaid expansion without the state covering any cost share for up to six years.

This vital funding will provide the security necessary for North Carolinians to lead healthier lives focused on the success of their dreams, families, and communities.

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