The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance today announced support for the Medicaid expansion agreement reached today in the North Carolina General Assembly.
Medicaid expansion is a top legislative priority for the CLT Alliance. The members of the business community represented by the CLT Alliance have been and continue to be 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.
At a press conference at the capitol late this morning, leaders of the North Carolina House and Senate announced the framework of their deal on Medicaid expansion. Agreeing to a deal now allows the General Assembly to account for budget considerations as the Legislative Session continues.
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.
“We are grateful for the continued work by lawmakers and are encouraged by the agreement reached today,” CLT Alliance Chief Advocacy Officer Joe Bost said. “We look forward to seeing this important piece of legislation become a law that will bring greater access to health care to people across the state.”
