RALEIGH, NC – March 27, 2022 – Today, Gov. Roy Cooper signed a bill (HB 76) that will increase Medicaid eligibility in North Carolina to 138% above the federal poverty line, officially making the state the 40th to do so and one of the first following the federal incentives under the American Rescue Plan.
“We’re proud to see Gov. Cooper’s signature today on historic legislation to expand Medicaid and officially make North Carolina the 40th state to do so,” shared Lisa Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
“More importantly, we’re immensely grateful for his work as a relentless champion on the issue since taking office. The governor has played a critical role in bringing us to this historic moment that will ensure over 600,000 more North Carolinians have access to the affordable, quality healthcare coverage they need. Without his leadership, strong voice on the issue and ability to reach across the aisle, we simply wouldn’t be here today.”
Cancer advocates with ACS CAN have played a critical role in ensuring the bill’s passage and were present at the signing ceremony. The non-partisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN, launched an ad series last year calling on lawmakers to take action and released polling on the issue earlier this year that found overwhelming support on the issue across party lines.
“Our research has shown time and time again that simply having health insurance is one of the most significant contributing factors for surviving cancer,” noted Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of ACS and ACS CAN. “Patients living in states that have expanded Medicaid coverage experience better outcomes, earlier diagnoses and reduced disparities in communities of color and rural areas. With cancer being the leading cause of death in North Carolina, today’s action will undoubtedly reduce the cancer burden and save thousands of lives, while working toward ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.”