RALEIGH, NC – September 22, 2022 – Today, the North Carolina General Assembly completed another short session and left the critical issue of Medicaid expansion unresolved, despite bipartisan leadership committing to taking action in the near future and broad, bipartisan support from state voters to do so.
The below is a statement on behalf of Lucy Dagneau, Senior Director for State and Local Campaigns for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in reaction.
“Today’s action to close yet another short session without ensuring affordable health coverage for 600,000 North Carolinians marks yet another day where lawmakers directly put their constituents’ health at risk.
“Their political stalling is not a light matter for North Carolina families touched by cancer: it’s life or death.
“Numerous delays and most recent legislative discussions on the issue ignore the needs of the cancer patients and the daily obstacles they endure.
“Cancer patients and their families are among the most affected by continued inaction on Medicaid expansion and we will not allow the daily, lived experience of over 600,000 North Carolinians who are forced to forgo the lifesaving care and treatment they need to survive to be forgotten and their voices silenced.”
“Legislative leadership has the opportunity to change such a dire reality with one vote: they should act on their responsibility and promise to stand up for the well-being of North Carolina families.”