NCHA Statement on Passage of Medicaid Expansion, HASP Bill

Cary, NC – March 23, 2023 – The North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) applauds and thanks the House for their historic vote today passing HB 76 and moving North Carolina one step closer to expanding Medicaid. 

“This landmark legislation will have lasting benefits for our state by helping hardworking North Carolina families, stabilizing rural health providers, and improving the overall health of our communities,” said Steve Lawler, president and chief executive officer of the North Carolina Healthcare Association. “We appreciate the House and Senate for working together on this bill that will positively impact the health of our state for years to come.” 

Medicaid coverage will allow the 600,000 working North Carolinians, including veterans, access to regular, preventive care, reducing emergency department visits, and providing much needed help for those who struggle with addiction and behavioral health issues. 

The Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP) supports hospitals and health systems so they can be partners in underwriting the state’s share of Medicaid expansion. It will also help stabilize struggling rural hospitals and add $60 million to the state’s General Fund to invest in programs and services that benefit the health of all North Carolinians. This federally funded program comes at no cost to the state and would also improve provider participation in North Carolina’s Medicaid program, strengthening network adequacy and access to care. 

“HASP allows hospitals to help fund expansion and improve the health of our most vulnerable North Carolinians,” said Lawler. “It is also an important lifeline to rural hospitals, who are essential to the health and economic wellbeing of their communities.” 

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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.