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Last week, NCDHHS announced that the anticipated start date for Medicaid expansion will be Oct. 1, 2023. This announcement is part of a compromise agreement NCDHHS obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that will allow the department to move forward with the required public notices for beneficiaries, counties and providers, while still awaiting authority from the NC General Assembly (NCGA).
To launch expansion on Oct. 1, a budget must be enacted by the NCGA by Sept. 1, or authority granted separately from the budget. The work the department is doing now will reduce the original implementation period from 90-120 days upon receiving legislative authority to 30 days, so enrollment can begin more quickly.
If NCDHHS does not have the authority to move forward by Sept. 1, the earliest fallback date is Dec. 1, 2023, and depending on how late authority is given, it could fall into 2024. NCDHHS is opening the public comment period on the State Plan Amendment for Medicaid Expansion’s Alternative Benefit Plan, a legal document required to be submitted to the federal government. Comments will be accepted until Aug. 15, 2023.
NCDHHS appreciates the leadership of the NCGA and Gov. Cooper in securing the passage of HB76, which set the state on the path to expanding Medicaid and enabling access to care for more than 600,000 North Carolinians. |
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NCDHHS Urges Caution After Three Deaths Due to Vibrio
NCDHHS is encouraging North Carolinians to be aware of the potential dangers of having wounds or cuts open to saltwater or brackish water following reports of three deaths due to Vibrio infections in North Carolina residents. Vibrio are bacteria that are naturally found in warm waters, so people with open wounds, cuts or scratches can be exposed to these bacteria through direct contact with seawater or brackish water. Vibrio can also cause disease in those who eat raw or undercooked oysters and shellfish. Vibrio cases in North Carolina are rare but can cause severe illness. Since 2019, eight of the 47 reported cases among North Carolina residents have been fatal. While healthy individuals typically develop mild illness, Vibrio infections can be severe or life-threatening for people with weakened immune systems or chronic liver disease. If you start to see signs of a skin infection after contact with brackish waters or seawater, you should contact your health care provider. Other symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, fever and chills. More information on Vibrio can be found on the CDC's website and NCDHHS' website. |
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Celebrating 33 Years of the ADA
This week, NCDHHS celebrated 33 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Gov. Cooper signed a proclamation recognizing that the ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990 – an anniversary that was celebrated across the nation, and proclaimed July 26 as “Americans with Disabilities Act Day.” The ADA is a landmark civil rights law that ensures full and equal access to civil, economic and social life for people with disabilities while banning discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, government services, public accommodations, businesses, transportation and communications. Research has shown that one in five North Carolinians is born with or will acquire a disability during their lifetime. Everyone has the right to fully participate in society and the economy while contributing their talents and skills. As the state continues to prioritize equal opportunities for all of its residents, NCDHHS celebrates the 33rd anniversary of the ADA as a testimony to our ongoing efforts to increase opportunities for fair wages, integrated employment and careers, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.
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NCDHHS Celebrates One Year of 9-8-8
On July 16, NCDHHS celebrated the one-year anniversary of 988, the three-digit suicide and crisis lifeline. 988 connects North Carolinians via call, chat or text to a trained counselor who will listen, offer support and provide community resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 988 is a state-federal partnership between NCDHHS and the U. S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration. Every person who connects with 988 is offered support. The call center provides trained crisis counseling and connects callers to help in their local community based on each caller’s specific needs. Callers are connected in real-time to specialized, community-based crisis responders 24/7 if that level of support is needed. Since its launch last July, there has been a 31% increase in North Carolinians reaching out for support. Early indicators suggest 988 is highly effective, showing 90% of individuals with thoughts of suicide reported improvement in how they were feeling by the end of their call. 988 is available to anyone, anytime. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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NC Community Council Receives Social Sector Hero Award
The North Carolina State Health Improvement Plan (NC SHIP) Community Council was recently honored with the Social Sector Hero designation by Clear Impact at the annual meeting on July 12. The Social Sector Hero Spotlight recognizes exceptional organizations and agencies that have made a significant and measurable difference in their communities. Convened by NCDHHS, the Community Council brings together diverse representation from non-profit, philanthropic, academic, government, business, and community members with lived experience to drive improvements on shared Healthy North Carolina 2030 goals for the health and well-being of the state’s residents. This achievement also acknowledges the Community Council’s commitment to align with a common purpose, support effective dialogue and report data publicly. These qualities exemplify what it means to translate talk into action and create a lasting impact. Read more about Healthy NC 2030 and NC SHIP in an NCDHHS newsletter article. |
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