Agenda 11-14-23; 7-a - Implementation of Medicaid Expansion in Orange County

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: November 14, 2023 Action Agenda Item No. 7-a SUBJECT: Implementation of Medicaid Expansion in Orange County DEPARTMENT: Social Services ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Medicaid Expansion Presentation Nancy Coston, 919-245-2800 Lindsey Shewmaker, 919-245-2800 PURPOSE: To receive an update regarding the expanded Medicaid availability in Orange County beginning on December 1, 2023. BACKGROUND: The North Carolina General Assembly approved legislation in early 2023 that authorized Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, and Governor Roy Cooper signed it into law in March 2023. However, the expansion legislation did not include a specific date that eligibility rules would change, and it also made Medicaid expansion contingent on the passage of a State budget for the 2023-25 fiscal years. The budget was ultimately approved in September, and December 1, 2023 was announced as the start date of Medicaid Expansion in North Carolina. Starting December 1, 2023, North Carolina is providing health care coverage to more people through Medicaid. Medicaid will cover people ages 19 through 64 years with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. This is about $20,000 for an individual and about $34,000 for a family of three. Medicaid provides comprehensive medical coverage including services like primary care, maternity care, hospitalizations, prescription drugs, and hearing and vision. Current Medicaid recipients with full coverage will not see any changes and will continue receiving services. An additional 600,000 North Carolinians are expected to receive coverage through the expanded Medicaid program. In Orange County, an additional 6,800 people are expected to receive coverage once the program is fully implemented. In anticipation of Medicaid Expansion, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, based on the recommendation of the County Manager, approved the creation of nine (9) new positions to assist with enrollment. Social Services staff have been working to fill those positions and get new staff trained to be ready to take applications in December.