Over 600,000 North Carolinians enrolled in Medicaid Expansion

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Governor Roy Cooper announced Monday that more than 600,000 people have enrolled in Medicaid Expansion in the first year of implementation, in half the time that was first projected. 

“From day one, we set out to get people covered and get them care. Now, more than 600,000 people have the peace of mind that they can go to the doctor, get needed medications, and manage their chronic health conditions—”That’s life-changing,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a monumental achievement for North Carolina.”

“When expansion launched, we estimated it would take up to two years to enroll 600,000 newly eligible individuals and families into Medicaid,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “Instead, we accomplished that achievement in the first year—a testament to the remarkable dedication of our many partners and community leaders across the state to help North Carolinians get covered and get care.” 

In the past year, more than 217,000 members of rural communities gained access to health coverage through Medicaid, which is more than one in three of all newly eligible people. And more than 4 million prescriptions were filled by Medicaid expansion enrollees for heart health, diabetes, seizures, and other illnesses.