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On July 26, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Gov. Cooper and NCDHHS’ plan to use the state's Medicaid program to incentivize hospitals to relieve more than a decade of existing medical debt for eligible North Carolinians and prevent accumulation of new debt in the future.
NCDHHS will now begin working with hospitals to implement the program, potentially relieving $4 billion in existing medical debt for people and families across the state. Each hospital in North Carolina can elect whether to participate in the program. Hospitals that choose to meet the eligibility conditions, including medical debt relief, will receive a higher level of Medicaid reimbursement under the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP). Hospitals that choose not to implement the policies will still be eligible for base HASP payments.
Participating hospitals will relieve all outstanding debt owed by current Medicaid enrollees, dating back to Jan. 1, 2014. Other individuals who are not enrolled in Medicaid but have incomes less than or equal to 350% of the federal poverty level, currently $90,370 for a family of three, may also qualify for medical debt relief.
For additional information, visit the Medical Debt Frequently Asked Questions website. |
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State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, speaks at an event in Chapel Hill, joined by Gov. Cooper and a Walgreens representative
Medicaid to Cover Oral Contraceptive Pill Statewide
As part of NCDHHS and Gov. Cooper’s continued work to expand access to reproductive health services, NC Medicaid will begin covering over-the-counter contraception in pharmacies across the state. Starting today, Aug. 1, 2024, the oral contraceptive Opill will be available through local and retail pharmacies without a prescription, at no cost for NC Medicaid beneficiaries. Opill is the first over-the-counter oral contraception that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved. Expansion of contraceptive services allows Medicaid beneficiaries better access to health care by reducing barriers to contraception medication, such as cost and the need for a prescription from their health care provider. Medicaid beneficiaries will be able to get Opill over the counter from Medicaid-enrolled pharmacies, which will be able to submit the claim for reimbursement. More information about Opill coverage is available in the NC Medicaid bulletin. To find a pharmacy providing pharmacy-initiated contraceptive services in North Carolina, visit ncpharmacyfinder.com. |
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After conducting water quality monitoring along Lake Gaston and the waters that feed into the lake, and in coordination with VA partners of observations of the plume, state officials have determined that no contaminants have reached NC waters at a measurable level. The NC State Emergency Response Team has been in close coordination with agencies in VA regarding the ongoing environmental issue resulting from the South Hill, Va. warehouse fire that occurred on July 6, 2024, which contained a large quantity of agricultural chemicals. Based on sampling and observations from both VA and NC environmental officials, NCDHHS recommended local health departments in the areas surrounding Lake Gaston lift recreational and fish consumption advisories for the Roanoke River near the NC state line. |
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Side-By-Side Webinar
NCDHHS' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services will host the next Side-by-Side webinar on Aug. 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. This month staff will focus on the behavioral health workforce. Each month, the Side-by-Side webinars cover policies and programs that affect the MH/IDD/SU/TBI community and bring everyone together in one (virtual) place. This group includes consumers, families, advisory groups, LME/MCOs, community members and partner organizations. Side by side, we will work together to better understand and improve our system. We will listen closely to one another, and we will share ideas for public policy that will improve lives in NC. Register for the webinar via Zoom and view the English and Spanish flyers to learn more.
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Medicaid Expansion Tele-Town Hall for American Indian Communities
NCDHHS will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall tonight, Aug. 1, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how Medicaid expansion supports the health of American Indian communities. NC Medicaid now covers more people ages 19 through 64 years old, including members of the American Indian community. Medicaid supports the health of American Indian communities through increased access to routine and specialized health services, from regular check-ups to care for ongoing conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Federally recognized tribal members or individuals who qualify for services through the Indian Health Service (IHS) may be able to choose how to receive Medicaid services. The NCDHHS Medicaid expansion website provides eligibility information, how to apply and where to find support. See the FAQ document for more information. The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 109745#. |
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Sustainable Diversion and Reentry Programs Webinar
NCDHHS' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services is hosting a webinar on Aug. 29 from 9 to 10 a.m. to share information about an upcoming funding opportunity to support capacity building for diversion and re-entry programs, to promote access to treatment and prevent incarceration for individuals with substance use disorders, mental health disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or traumatic brain injury. This webinar will explore the rationale and vision for improving the lives of North Carolinians through this initiative and provide details on the next steps. You can register for the webinar via Zoom. This webinar was previously scheduled for Aug. 1 and has been rescheduled to Aug. 29. |
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