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NC Medicaid won a national award after enrolling 570,000+ residents in its expansion program. Learn how community partnerships are transforming healthcare access statewide.
North Carolina’s innovative approach to expanding Medicaid access has earned national recognition as enrollment numbers soar past expectations nearly one year into the program. The National Association of Medicaid Directors has awarded NC Medicaid its 2024 Spotlight Award, celebrating the state’s remarkable achievement in extending healthcare coverage to more than 570,000 residents since December 2023.
Community partnerships drive unprecedented enrollment
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) attributes much of NC Medicaid’s success to extensive community outreach efforts spanning all 100 counties. More than 215 local organizations, healthcare providers, business leaders, and community advocates have joined forces to spread awareness about Medicaid expansion.
“We got Medicaid expansion done — and we got it done well — with the help of our state and community partners who worked tirelessly to make it easier and more accessible for people to apply,” NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley said in a November 13 press release.
Real impact on North Carolinians’ health
The program’s success extends beyond enrollment numbers. Since its launch, new Medicaid enrollees have filled over 3.4 million prescriptions for various conditions, including heart health, diabetes, and seizures. Additionally, the program has covered more than $53 million in dental services claims.
Governor Roy Cooper emphasized the program’s significance: “Now, more of our neighbors, friends and loved ones can see a doctor, get preventative care, manage chronic conditions and get life-saving prescriptions without the burden of high premiums or co-pays.”
The state’s comprehensive outreach strategy includes a multilingual Community Engagement Toolkit and a Medicaid Ambassador program, which NAMD Executive Director Kate McEvoy praised as “innovative” and “ground-breaking” in its approach to community engagement.
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This story was generated in part by AI and edited by Cardinal & Pine staff.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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