On Wednesday, North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services Kody Kinsley delivered remarks at a CLT Alliance Advocacy in Action program. CLT Alliance Advocacy Committee member Starla Tanner with Mecklenburg County moderated the program. In addition to covering other department priorities, Kinsley discussed Medicaid expansion policy.
Kinsley views Medicaid expansion as meeting three needs for North Carolina. First, expansion would help working people who do not otherwise have access to insurance or ways to pay for care. Second, it would improve health care access in rural parts of the state. Third, it would help to address mental health outcomes.
“I am grateful to the Charlotte Alliance and business leadership across the state for supporting Medicaid expansion,” Kinsley said.
In total, North Carolina could expect $8 billion from the federal government if Medicaid expansion passes. An additional $1.8 billion could be available if certain deadlines are met related to expansion.
The health care field is not immune from workforce shortages. Kinsley stressed the importance of improving the talent pipeline in health care professions. This includes streamlining licensure opportunities, expanding pipeline programs for students, and improving pay and career opportunities, especially for those in the direct care field.
Employers also have a role to play in meeting the heath care needs of their employees, Kinsley said. Employers can help in identifying mental health needs of employees and finding solutions to meet those needs.
Kinsley also talked about telehealth and the role it can play in ensuring health care is accessible throughout the state.
“Telehealth has advanced 10 years in 10 days’ time,” Kinsley said in reference to telehealth growth since the pandemic.
He stressed the importance of deploying broadband to underserved areas so that telehealth can actually be accessible for people who need it the most. He will continue to bring payers and other stakeholders to the table to help the future of telehealth evolve.
The secretary’s visit comes as momentum builds in the business community in support of Medicaid expansion. Last year, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance was one of eight chambers of commerce that signed a letter in support of Medicaid expansion. This week, the number of business organizations joining that coalition has grown to 20. Click here to read more about why so many business organizations are now supportive of Medicaid expansion policies.
