2024: NC’s Health Coverage Gains Shine, But Access Issues Loom Large

Exciting news is bubbling up from North Carolina! The state is making remarkable strides in healthcare, with a surge in insurance enrollment and a promising path toward easing medical debt for many residents.

Recently, Governor Roy Cooper proudly announced that over 600,000 individuals have enrolled in expanded Medicaid—a feat achieved in just over a year, and the sign-up rate is double what was anticipated!

Governor Cooper has been a tireless advocate for Medicaid expansion, championing the cause since before he even took office nearly eight years ago. His dedication is now paying off, turning estimates into reality as 600,000 North Carolinians gain access to vital health services.

Though we celebrate this accomplishment, challenges loom on the horizon. The state’s recently passed expansion law includes a clause that could jeopardize the program if federal funding drops below 90%. With a Republican majority in Washington, there’s growing concern that support for this program may waver. Get the details here.

Medical Debt Relief

In a bold move, Cooper and Health Secretary Kody Kinsley have rolled out an innovative plan allowing hospitals to receive increased federal payments in exchange for eliminating burdensome medical debts for patients. This initiative seeks to not only erase old debts but also to prevent new ones from piling up.

Every hospital in the state has signed on, signaling a unified front in combating medical debt, which impacts a staggering number of North Carolinians. In fact, the state ranks among those with the highest rates of medical debt in the nation, according to leading healthcare analysts.

This game-changing plan has the potential to wipe away $4 billion in medical debt for 2 million people!

Bridging Dental Gaps

While significant progress is being made, there’s still work to be done, particularly in meeting the healthcare needs of low-income and marginalized communities. Reports reveal that Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services have stagnated since 2008, leaving many dentists unwilling or unable to accept Medicaid patients.

With only 40% to 45% of licensed dentists participating in the Medicaid program, many residents are left scrambling to find care. It’s no wonder that untreated cavities are a rampant issue, with about 20% of kindergarteners suffering from tooth decay. Rural areas are especially hard-hit, as 94 out of 100 counties face shortages of dental professionals.

Addressing Maternal Mortality

In a startling report, the state’s maternal mortality review committee uncovered that a staggering 65 out of 76 pregnancy-related deaths from 2018 and 2019 were preventable. Alarmingly, Black women faced a maternal death rate 1.6 times higher than white women.

The committee’s recommendations emphasize the importance of expanding access to doulas and community health workers in obstetric care. With over half of births in North Carolina covered by Medicaid, incorporating doulas could significantly improve outcomes for mothers and babies alike.

Research has shown that pregnant women using Medicaid and doula services experience fewer cesarean sections and lower rates of postpartum anxiety and depression. However, the legislature has yet to allocate funding for doula reimbursements under Medicaid.

Confronting Unequal Access

A recent report revealed that North Carolina is near the bottom when it comes to healthcare access for Latino residents. The uninsured rates among Latino children and adults are alarmingly higher than the national average.

Despite these disparities, healthcare outcomes for Latino residents rank among the best in the nation. However, even with insurance, they often face barriers to receiving proper healthcare, such as screenings and timely prenatal care.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is actively seeking insights from the Latino community in hopes of improving healthcare access and addressing these inequities. It’s clear that more must be done to ensure that every resident, regardless of background, receives the quality care they deserve.