For months, the CEO of the Cherokee Indian Hospital has quietly traveled to county commission boards throughout the western part of the state, giving presentations on the benefits of Medicaid expansion. As local leaders throughout the conservative region show support for the policy, will they change the minds of state Republicans?
“By refusing to expand Medicaid despite this increased need from North Carolina families, our state budget and residents’ health remains compromised.”
“Sam will support Gov. Cooper’s efforts to expand Medicaid.”
COVID-19 testing rates have slowly dropped over the past several weeks, both in North Carolina and across the country, said Dr. Mandy Cohen. But for those who do get tested, she emphasized, state labs have the capacity to quickly process results.
“We should all be calling Sen. Berger and Rep. Moore to demand a vote this summer on Medicaid expansion for North Carolina.”
“Buncombe County is going to take actions that best safeguard the public health for Buncombe County residents,” said Fletcher Tove, the county’s emergency preparedness coordinator. He confirmed that the county’s more stringent rules would remain in place through at least the morning of Thursday, April 9.
“However, in spite of added expense and bureaucracy, the Republican bill (NC Health Care for Working Families) has the best chance of achieving a bipartisan compromise — if Republican majorities in our state Senate and House will move it through the legislative process.”
Health care advocates say improving children’s well-being requires providing access to health insurance and health care services for their parents. While the majority of Buncombe County’s children from low-income families are covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program or Medicaid, many of their parents lack coverage.
“North Carolina Democratic and Republican legislators know that the solution to filling this gap is to pass legislation that provides ‘clean’ Medicaid expansion.”
The document, set by the chamber’s advocacy and policy committee, adds opioid and substance abuse prevention to the docket for the first time. Affordable housing and expanded transit options throughout the Asheville metro region also made the cut, while Medicaid restructuring and the Interstate 26 Connector Project were both removed from last year’s list.
“To me, the biggest question of all is: What is our leverage to make sure this private corporation fulfills its contract?”
At a recent legislative briefing, Annaliese Dolph, registered lobbyist for the United Way of North Carolina, outlined the status of issues within the United Way’s focus areas of health care, education and financial stability.
After a consultant discovered a $3 million shortfall, the Western Highlands Network must undergo close state oversight aimed at getting the agency back on track. And if the managed-care organization doesn't strictly adhere to the recommendations in the state’s Aug. 1 correction plan, it could face severe consequences. The board has already fired CEO Arthur […]
