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Medicaid expansion gains momentum in state legislature

House Bill 76 would expand Medicaid to 600,000 North Carolinians who do not qualify for Medicaid or make too much money for a subsidy from the Affordable Care Act.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Last year, legislators debated different versions of a bill to expand Medicaid in North Carolina. 

Ultimately, they were unable to find common ground to get the bill signed into law. 

A bill receiving bi-partisan support is hoping to change that as billions of dollars in federal funding are now on the table. 

Forsyth County Representative Donny Lambeth was a primary sponsor for
House Bill 76

The bill would provide health care coverage to people who make too much to qualify for Medicaid and don't make enough to qualify for a subsidy under the affordable care act. 

"There are 39 states, including a number of Republican, governors, and Republican states that actually moved forward with expansion. It's certainly put more pressure on North Carolina to accept it," said Lambeth.

Peg O'Connell leads Care 4 Carolina, a state-wide coalition for Medicaid expansion. 

She says expanding Medicaid would provide more access to preventive care, keeping more people out of hospital emergency rooms. 

"This will actually give them the chance to have an option for health insurance that will let them have more physical security as well as financial security," said O'Connell.

She says expanding Medicaid would not only benefit the thousands of uninsured but healthcare premiums could drop as well. 

The state could also receive $1.5 billion in federal funding if lawmakers expand Medicaid.

At least 50% of the federal dollars would be designated for mental health programs. 

Both parties are confident the conversation will continue as the bill moves into the Senate. 

"Democrats have always been strong for Medicaid expansion, and I think that the majority party has finally convinced most of their caucus that this is something the state needs to do," said Representative Pricey Harrison of Guilford County. 

"I've been here long enough to know that it's pretty rare that no matter what the bill that we sent over or they sent over to the house that it doesn't get changed in some way. So I do anticipate there are some changes that they make, that's just part of the legislative process," said Lambeth. 

As the bill makes its way to the Senate, Senator Michael Garrett is confident both parties can end the decade-long debate.

"I think we are very close. There's a good compromise to be found. I think you have proposals from the healthcare industry, proposals from the house, the Senate, and advocates so I think people are talking and having good conversations and I'm optimistic that this session we will finally expand Medicaid," said Garrett. 

The American Heart Association is praising the actions of the North Carolina Legislature. 

“Ensuring access to health insurance by expanding Medicaid has never been more important for people at risk of heart attack and stroke – about 47% of adults have high blood pressure putting them at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and more. Without health care coverage, keeping blood pressure under control can be almost impossible," said the Southeast Region's Board of Directors President-Elect, Dr. Sandra Burke.

Medicaid expansion is still far from a reality. 

In the weeks to come a committee will likely form, bringing together members of the house and senate. 

They would work out any differences between the two chambers. 

Before presenting a final version of the bill for a vote. 

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