In a significant milestone, more than half a million North Carolinians have enrolled in the state’s Medicaid expansion program since its launch just seven months ago. This achievement far exceeded initial projections, which had estimated that reaching this enrollment level could take as long as two years.
Quality Healthcare Access at Low Cost
The Medicaid expansion program has allowed beneficiaries to access quality healthcare at an affordable cost. Governor Roy Cooper expressed his satisfaction with the positive impact the program has had on people’s lives. Enrollees can now see doctors, receive preventative care, manage chronic conditions, and obtain life-saving prescriptions without the burden of high premiums or co-pays.
Key Highlights:
- Enrollment Numbers: As of today, 503,967 North Carolinians have enrolled in Medicaid expansion. This rapid enrollment demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in providing essential healthcare coverage to those who need it.
- Prescription Fills: Since December 1, 2023, new Medicaid enrollees have filled more than 1.9 million new prescriptions for conditions such as heart health, diabetes, seizures, and other illnesses. Access to medications is crucial for managing chronic health conditions and improving overall well-being.
- Dental Services: Medicaid has also covered more than $28.6 million in claims for dental services since the expansion began. Dental health is an essential component of overall health, and this coverage ensures that beneficiaries can maintain good oral health.
Utilization Dashboard for Insights
To provide further insights into the health services utilized by new Medicaid enrollees, the state will soon launch a Medicaid Expansion Service Utilization Dashboard. This dashboard will track monthly service trends since the expansion’s launch in December 2023. It will include data on:
- Doctor and Dental Visits
- Cancer Screenings
- Behavioral Health Services
- Prescriptions
A Remarkable Achievement
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, along with community partners, has worked diligently to reach this milestone. The success of the Medicaid expansion program reflects the commitment to improving healthcare access for all North Carolinians. As Governor Cooper stated, “We’ll keep working to enroll more people” and ensure that quality healthcare remains accessible to those who need it most.
This article highlights North Carolina’s remarkable achievement in enrolling over 500,000 beneficiaries in its Medicaid expansion program within just seven months. The program has provided essential healthcare coverage, prescription medications, and dental services to improve the well-being of residents across the state. The utilization dashboard will offer valuable insights into the services utilized by enrollees, further enhancing the program’s impact. Governor Roy Cooper and healthcare advocates celebrate this major milestone, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to expanding access to quality care.
