RALEIGH, NC, March 2, 2023 — Today, the North Carolina House and Senate have reached a deal that would expand Medicaid for the Tar Heel state. Senate President Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore announced the deal today and have indicated that in the coming days, the Senate will take up the bill and move it forward. It is expected that Medicaid expansion will be included in the 2023 budget. Medicaid expansion would provide health care coverage to at least 500,000 North Carolinians. The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, is committed to ensuring health care is adequate, accessible, and affordable for everyone living in the United States.

The American Heart Association Southeast Region Board of Directors President, Dr. Edward Jauch, expressed the significance of this action and urged for continued momentum in a statement: 

“This is a monumental day for North Carolina and the thousands of people who are currently in the coverage gap. This bold, collaborative action taken by the North Carolina legislature will save countless lives across the state. It will give working families who’ve not had the means or access to medical care a new lease on life.

“We commend the Legislature for seizing this opportunity and realizing that this is the right time to expand Medicaid. This legislation will ensure access to health insurance for the 47% of people who have high blood pressure, a main risk factor for heart disease and stroke. We urge them to continue their work in the coming days to finalize the legislation.”

Heart disease is the number one killer of North Carolinians. For people with risk factors for cardiovascular disease or recovering from heart attack or stroke, access to affordable and adequate health insurance is a matter of life and death. Hundreds of thousands of working families, veterans, and small business owners will be able to have access to high quality, affordable healthcare and get the medication they need to stay healthy.

Closing the coverage gap will also help keep rural hospitals open and dramatically improve the quality of life for thousands.

As the policy moves forward, the American Heart Association urges that the legislature to take prompt action to close the coverage gap.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookTwitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Christopher Mims: Christopher.Mims@heart.org  

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org