Statement: NC Representatives present Carolina Cares, a North Carolina specific plan to address health care needs of low-income North Carolinians

RALEIGH (April 11, 2017) — Today, North Carolina Representatives Lambeth, Murphy, Dobson, and White held a press event to present Carolina Cares. After years of resistance, House Bill 662 is a first step for lawmakers to address the health coverage needs of 500,000 North Carolinians in the Medicaid coverage gap.

The North Carolina Justice Center is excited to work collaboratively with stakeholders and lawmakers on efforts to close the coverage gap so that veterans, low-wage workers, and families can access and utilize the health care they need when they need it. The Health Advocacy Project will continue to evaluate Carolina Cares to ensure that a North Carolina plan to close the coverage gap improves access to gaining health coverage. Closing the gap will not only extend coverage, but strengthen rural hospitals, help families avoid financial distress, and bring jobs to North Carolina.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Ciara Zachary, ciara@ncjustice.org, 919.856.2568; Julia Hawes, julia@ncjustice.org, 919.863.2406.