NCHA Statement on Medicaid Expansion and HASP Agreement Announced by NC Senate Leader Berger and House Speaker Moore

Cary, NC – March 2, 2023 – The North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) congratulates and thanks the House and Senate leadership on reaching an agreement on the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program and Medicaid expansion. We are pleased that they have agreed to pass landmark legislation to improve access to health care coverage for approximately 600,000 North Carolinians in the coverage gap and to strengthen the financial situation for struggling hospitals, especially in rural communities.

We are glad that House and Senate leaders came to the table, rolled up their sleeves and were able to come to terms to get this done. Access to health insurance and health care, including preventive care, is a fundamental element of our health care system. This will help hundreds of thousands of hard-working North Carolina families and will help continue the economic progress of our state.

The Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP) gives the state an opportunity to bring in billions of dollars in federal funds to help stabilize rural hospitals and add to the state’s General Fund to address issues such as our growing mental health crisis. This federally funded program comes at no cost to the state and would also have the effects of improving provider participation in our Medicaid program, strengthening network adequacy and access to care.

“NCHA thanks the House and Senate leaders and the sponsors of this bill from both sides of the political aisle,” said Steve Lawler, president and chief executive officer of the North Carolina Healthcare Association. “Members of all political parties want communities that are healthy and hospital doors that are open. This legislation will go far to strengthen the health of people in our state and to support maintaining access to health care, especially in rural communities. We look forward to working with elected officials to support getting this historic legislation passed into law soon.”

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About NCHA

Founded in 1918, North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) is the united voice of the North Carolina healthcare community. Representing more than 130 hospitals, health systems, physician groups and other healthcare organizations, NCHA works with our members to improve the health of North Carolina communities by advocating for sound public policies and collaborative partnerships and by providing insights, services, support, and education to expand access to high quality, efficient, affordable and integrated health care for all North Carolinians.