Fact Check: Medicaid expansion has reduced uninsured patients from 50% to 33% in NC clinics!

Fact Check: "Medicaid expansion has reduced uninsured patients from 50% to 33% in NC clinics!"

What We Know

The claim states that Medicaid expansion in North Carolina has led to a decrease in uninsured patients from 50% to 33% in clinics. Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families, with eligibility varying by state (HHS.gov). North Carolina has not yet expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which means that many low-income adults remain uninsured. As of October 2023, approximately 1.4 million people in North Carolina are uninsured, and the state has one of the highest uninsured rates in the country (HHS.gov).

Analysis

The assertion that Medicaid expansion has reduced uninsured patients in North Carolina clinics lacks supporting evidence, primarily because North Carolina has not implemented Medicaid expansion. According to the HHS.gov, Medicaid expansion would potentially cover more low-income adults, but as of now, the state has opted not to expand the program.

Furthermore, the statistics cited (50% to 33%) seem to be fabricated or misrepresented, as there are no credible studies or reports that substantiate this specific claim regarding North Carolina clinics. The data on uninsured rates in North Carolina indicates that the state has a significant number of uninsured individuals, and without Medicaid expansion, it is unlikely that such a drastic reduction in uninsured patients has occurred (HHS.gov).

The sources referenced in this analysis are credible, coming from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is a reliable government entity. However, the lack of specific studies or data supporting the claim raises questions about its validity.

Conclusion

Needs Research. The claim that Medicaid expansion has reduced uninsured patients from 50% to 33% in North Carolina clinics is not supported by current evidence. North Carolina has not expanded Medicaid, and therefore, the statistics presented do not reflect the reality of the state's healthcare landscape. Further investigation and reliable data are required to assess the impact of Medicaid expansion on uninsured rates in North Carolina.

Sources

1. Who’s eligible for Medicaid? - HHS.gov
2. What is the Medicaid program? - HHS.gov
3. What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? - HHS.gov
4. Where can I find a doctor that accepts Medicare and Medicaid? - HHS.gov
5. 2025 Federal Poverty Level Standards | Guidance Portal
6. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget in Brief - HHS.gov
7. How do I enroll in Medicare? - HHS.gov
8. How to Use Medicaid to Assist Homeless Persons | HHS.gov