April 3, 2020

Medicaid Expansion Recommended by Some for COVID-19 Response

Hospitals and other health care organizations are struggling to meet the needs of those afflicted with COVID-19.  Most of them have put aside elective and routine services to focus their attention on fighting this pandemic.  A March 30th ABC News article states, “As officials scramble to supply hospitals with much needed protective equipment for doctors and nurses fighting the novel coronavirus on the front lines, hospital leaders around the country warn that they are running low on another critical supply: money.” 

With that in mind, it is not surprising that leaders and organizations are considering the expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina as a means of paying for the health care costs of some of the uninsured North Carolinians who are tapping into the system now more than ever.   

In fact, NC DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen reported to the House Select Committee on COVID-19 on April 2nd that they have submitted an 1115 Medicaid waiver, and that one of the provisions would be to temporarily allow individuals earning up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify for Medicaid benefits.  She was clear with legislators that NC DHHS took this action to put North Carolina in the queue for the waiver request but that NC DHHS would be coming back to the legislature for further discussion and action.   

North Carolina Congresswoman Alma Adams wrote an open letter on March 12th to House Speaker Tim Moore and President Pro Tempore Phil Berger.  Adams urges the NC General Assembly to hold a special session because “The threat is here and must be addressed faster than the usual speed of government.”  She lists several recommended actions, including the expansion of Medicaid.   

The NC Child–Child Advocacy Network developed a joint letter to the House Select Committee on COVID-19 for organizations to sign on to.  In the letter it states, “Expanding Medicaid now will bolster our health systems and families against this pandemic and create a glide path towards economic recovery when this crisis is over.” 

NC Governor Cooper has estimated that 500,000 North Carolinians would be covered under Medicaid expansion with no additional cost to North Carolina.  The federal government pays 90% of the costs in expansion, and the State is responsible for the remaining 10%.  Governor Cooper has proposed that costs be covered through a hospital and health plan assessment.   

The NC General Assembly is scheduled to begin the short session on April 28th.