North Carolina Expands Medicaid, Providing Insurance to Hundreds of Thousands While Raising Cost Concerns

North Carolina joined 39 other states and Washington, D.C. in expanding Medicaid to cover more low-income residents.
The expansion is estimated to provide health insurance to over 600,000 North Carolinians who were previously uninsured.
While the expansion brings life-changing benefits to many, it is also projected to drive up healthcare costs and reduce access for others.
Hospitals are expected to gain billions in funding from the expansion, though costs may eventually shift to employers and individuals through higher prices.
Despite the expansion, hundreds of thousands of uninsured people will remain in North Carolina, requiring ongoing support from safety net organizations.