The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance applauded state leaders Monday as a bill that expands Medicaid across North Carolina officially became law.
The historic piece of legislation was signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper on Monday afternoon at the North Carolina Executive Mansion. The bill came from a deal agreed to by leaders of the North Carolina House and Senate announced earlier this month. Agreeing to a deal now allows the General Assembly to account for budget considerations as the legislative session continues.
CLT Alliance President and CEO Janet LaBar and Chief Advocacy Officer Joe Bost joined Cooper at the bill signing.
“We are grateful for the continued work by lawmakers and the governor leading up to the bill signing today,” Bost said. “It takes everyone working together to advance our state forward. This collaborative approach will help continue to make North Carolina #1 for business.”
Medicaid expansion has been a top legislative priority for the CLT Alliance. The members of the business community represented by the CLT Alliance have been supportive of 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.
On MSNBC this week, Cooper cited the importance of local chambers that helped to drum up the necessary support.
Closing the health insurance coverage gap for approximately 600,000 individuals 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.
