Chambers of commerce and business associations representing thousands of businesses across North Carolina this week announced their support for Medicaid expansion.
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance®, along with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce; The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus; Cary Chamber of Commerce; Greater Durham Chamber; Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce; Rowan County Chamber of Commerce; Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce; and Greater Winston-Salem, Inc.; representing the business community throughout the state, supports expansion to close the health insurance gap for approximately 600,000 uninsured individuals throughout North Carolina.
Closing the health insurance coverage gap is expected to lead to more labor force participation and worker productivity, as covered individuals are more likely to seek preventative care, testing, medication, and mental-health services, leading to reduced rates of absenteeism. Ensuring a healthy workforce has options for affordable health insurance and access to affordable health care is critical to North Carolina’s economy.
Medicaid expansion is projected to drive $2.9 billion in new business and health care activity in North Carolina and add 37,200 new jobs statewide.
The members of the business community in North Carolina represented here support Medicaid expansion as a policy that leads to greater access to care for individuals, and significant positive economic benefits for state and local governments and businesses through increased economic activity.
