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22 <br /> Chair Bedford said that John Roberts and Tara May can work on that language and bring <br /> it back to the Board. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked about item H, "Removal." She asked how Tara May is <br /> notified of attendance. <br /> Tara May said she receives attendance reports quarterly. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said the Board used to see those reports, and she asked why they <br /> were no longer included in agenda items. <br /> Tara May said there was discussion about what to include as attachments and it was <br /> decided to not include attendance reports. <br /> Chair Bedford asked if that process is working. <br /> Tara May said yes. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton said it was good to have a review of the policy. She asked Tara May <br /> if the word "commissions" should be kept. <br /> Tara May said it was noted at the beginning that all boards and commissions would be <br /> referred to as advisory boards in the policy. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton to <br /> approve the amendments to the BOCC Advisory Board Policy. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 7. Reports <br /> a. Medicaid Expansion in Orange County One Year After Implementation <br /> The Board received 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 />