Governor Stein Addresses Medicaid Cuts in Fayetteville
On October 13, 2026, Governor Josh Stein convened a roundtable discussion in Fayetteville with Medicaid recipients, healthcare providers, and county officials to address anticipated federal cuts to Medicaid stemming from the legislation known as H.R. 1. The proposed reductions could jeopardize health care coverage for over 250,000 residents in North Carolina and potentially increase costs for taxpayers across the state.
During the meeting, Governor Stein emphasized the wide-reaching consequences of these cuts, stating, “When more people are uninsured, hospitals and clinics face more unpaid care, people may be forced out of the workforce without treatment, families take on more medical debt, and everyone is forced to cover the cost of care through higher premiums.” He reiterated his call for Congress to reconsider the cuts and focus on solutions that promote better health and economic stability for residents.
Urgent Call to Congress
Alongside the roundtable, Governor Stein sent a letter to Congressional leaders and North Carolina’s congressional delegation urging them to reverse the proposed Medicaid cuts and eliminate the stringent work requirements outlined in H.R. 1.
North Carolina’s Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dev Sangvai, acknowledged the challenges posed by the changes in H.R. 1, stating that they could adversely affect vulnerable populations and local social services departments. Sangvai reaffirmed the department’s commitment to collaborating with state and local partners to ensure that all North Carolinians can access necessary healthcare.
Changes to Medicaid Eligibility Requirements
Beginning on January 1, 2027, individuals receiving NC Medicaid will need to demonstrate employment, school enrollment, or volunteer work for at least 80 hours each month. They must also renew and verify their eligibility every six months, a shift from the previous annual requirement. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services advises Medicaid beneficiaries to update their contact information with their local Department of Social Services to avoid losing coverage due to missed communications.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to respond promptly to any correspondence from their local DSS, as failing to meet deadlines can lead to loss of Medicaid benefits. Additionally, individuals are advised to create an enhanced ePASS account to facilitate the submission of necessary documentation.
Impact of Federal Cuts on North Carolina Healthcare
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has introduced a toolkit titled Know What’s Next, which contains resources in both English and Spanish to inform residents about the upcoming changes to Medicaid. This toolkit includes flyers and social media materials aimed at helping individuals understand the implications of the new rules and how to maintain their healthcare coverage.
Federal cuts threaten the viability of the state’s Medicaid program, which provides coverage to over 3 million North Carolinians, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The proposed reductions could result in the loss of tens of billions of dollars in federal funding over the next decade, adversely affecting hospitals and healthcare services statewide.
In light of these challenges, Governor Stein has been proactive in advocating for Medicaid protection and affordability. His administration has previously submitted comments to federal agencies to safeguard coverage for vulnerable populations, including those with serious health conditions. Additionally, he established the Health Care Affordability Commission to explore strategies for making healthcare more accessible and affordable in North Carolina.
Source: Office of the Governor of North Carolina
