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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: March 18, 2025 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 7-a <br /> SUBJECT: Medicaid Expansion in Orange County One Year After Implementation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Social Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> PowerPoint Presentation <br /> Lindsey Shewmaker, 919-245-2817 <br /> PURPOSE: To receive an update on Medicaid Expansion in Orange County one year after initial <br /> implementation. <br /> BACKGROUND: State lawmakers approved legislation in early 2023 that called for Medicaid <br /> expansion in North Carolina, and then-Governor Roy Cooper signed it into law in March 2023. On <br /> December 1, 2023, the legislation went into effect in North Carolina expanding Medicaid access <br /> to more North Carolinians. Medicaid now covers people ages 19 through 64 years with incomes <br /> up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. This is about $20,000 for an individual and about <br /> $34,000 for a family of three. <br /> Medicaid provides comprehensive medical coverage including services like primary care, <br /> maternity care, hospitalizations, prescription drugs, and hearing and vision. Those previously <br /> receiving full Medicaid coverage under other programs were not affected by these changes and <br /> have continued receiving services. <br /> Orange County Social Services staff worked hard to prepare for and implement the expanded <br /> Medicaid program in Orange County. In FY 2023-2024 the Orange County Board of County <br /> Commissioners approved the creation of nine (9) new, permanent positions to support the <br /> increased workload. Social Services staff developed plans for hiring, training, and rollout of the <br /> new program and began taking applications on December 1, 2023. <br /> As of December 31, 2024, more than 4,600 Orange County residents have been enrolled in the <br /> new Medicaid program. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving this update. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY <br /> OBJECTIVE 2. Expand access to quality, affordable healthcare services. <br />