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

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

What We Know

The claim that Medicaid expansion in North Carolina (NC) reduced the percentage of uninsured patients from 50% to 33% lacks specific supporting evidence. Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families, but the expansion of Medicaid varies by state. In NC, Medicaid has not been expanded under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as of October 2023, meaning that many low-income adults remain uninsured. According to the HHS.gov website, Medicaid eligibility is determined by income and family size, and states have the option to expand their programs to cover more individuals.

Analysis

The assertion that Medicaid expansion in NC led to a decrease in uninsured patients from 50% to 33% seems to be misleading. As of now, North Carolina has not implemented Medicaid expansion, which means that the state has not increased the number of individuals covered under Medicaid as allowed by the ACA. The HHS.gov site confirms that eligibility rules differ among states, and NC's decision not to expand Medicaid has left a significant gap in coverage for many low-income adults.

Moreover, the claim does not cite any specific studies or data that would support such a dramatic change in uninsured rates. Without credible data or studies to back this claim, it cannot be substantiated. The sources available do not provide evidence of any recent changes in the uninsured rate in NC that would correspond to the figures mentioned in the claim.

Conclusion

Needs Research: The claim that Medicaid expansion in North Carolina reduced uninsured patients from 50% to 33% is not supported by current evidence. Given that NC has not expanded Medicaid, further research is necessary to verify any claims regarding changes in uninsured rates in the state. The lack of specific data and the absence of Medicaid expansion make this claim questionable.

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