As part of the Trust’s efforts to amplify the work of our grantee partners, our new Voices On The Ground series highlights their perspectives on timely policy topics and how the issues are viewed at the community level.
How Policies Are Jeopardizing Access to Care
In 2023, North Carolina became the 40th state to expand eligibility for Medicaid to low-income adults who previously earned too much money to qualify for the program.
Since expansion, 650,000 people in the state have gained health coverage. Expansion and enrollment has been particularly helpful in rural communities, where more than 230,000 people, more than one in three of all newly eligible individuals, enrolled in Medicaid.
But the success of expansion could be undone if policymakers in Washington move forward with proposals to cut federal funding for Medicaid or implement unnecessary work requirements for the program.
We asked our partners Nariah’s Way Foundation and UNIDXS what expansion has meant to their communities and what would happen if the federal government slashed funding or implemented work requirements.
Nariah’s Way Foundation
Nariah’s Way Foundation – A grief support group in Biscoe, NC, serving the Piedmont region. Nariah’s Way is a resource hub providing helpful information for grieving families and children. We had the opportunity to speak with Founder Tenisha Dunlap, who provided insights into how increased access has positively impacted her community.
Q: How has Medicaid expansion helped your community? What will the impact be if it goes away?
A: “Medicaid expansion has been a game changer. It has helped more people get the care that they need for doctor’s visits, medication and more. It has also taken the pressure off of families. They don’t have to choose between paying bills and going to doctors’ appointments, dental visits or the things that they need the most. More families have been able to take care of their overall wellbeing.”
Q: How would the introduction of Medicaid work requirements harm those most in need of care?
A: “Honestly, it would just make things harder for the people who already have a lot on their plate. A lot of people who need Medicaid are already dealing with health issues, caregiving responsibilities, or jobs that don’t provide steady hours. Adding work requirements sounds simple on paper, but in real life, it creates more hoops to jump through, and a lot of people will lose coverage.”
UNIDXS
UNIDXS – An intercultural, non-partisan organization committed to serving the seven rural counties of Western NC, especially within the Hispanic Community. UNIDXS works to promote social inclusion, equality and solidarity through the development and implementation of educational, social and cultural projects. Executive Director, Ricardo Bello Ball, shared more about how expanded Medicaid serves some of our state’s most vulnerable communities.