Special to IFN

RALEIGH — With Medicaid funding cuts scheduled to go into effect next month, Gov. Josh Stein joined affected North Carolinians to urge the N.C. General Assembly to reverse the cuts by fully funding North Carolina’s Medicaid program in October.

“The General Assembly’s failure to fully fund the Medicaid program has forced the state to make cuts to this vital program,” Stein said. “But it’s not too late to come together and protect health care. I have directed DHHS to identify cuts that are reversible so that the moment we receive more funding from the General Assembly, we can work to undo the damage that their inaction has caused. I call on the General Assembly to put our people’s health over their political disputes and send me a clean bill that keeps Medicaid running and ensure North Carolinians receive the critical care they need.”

Chelsea Grey, a Medicaid recipient and disability advocate, said the uncertainty of the Medicaid program has added stress to their lives. She is the parent of a child with complex health care needs.

“It is hard enough to keep our children alive, and we are barely staying afloat with what is currently available,” Grey said. “So I encourage our lawmakers to take whatever action is necessary to sustain access to Medicaid and relieve us of this current uncertainty.”

On Friday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) provided information to all providers outlining the new rates that will be in effect October 1 as a result of insufficient funding. 

The governor said he is ready to work with the legislature on proposals to provide the necessary funds for the Medicaid program in the absence of a comprehensive budget.