In
a letter addressed to Governor McCrory, the
National MS Society, NC Chapters joined with 70 other organizations from across
the state urging the Governor and North Carolina General Assembly to expand
Medicaid to low-income individuals under the Affordable Care Act. If
Medicaid is expanded, approximately 500,000 low-income citizens in North Carolina would have
access to affordable health coverage. Access to this coverage could
ensure that more than 400 individuals get their MS diagnosis and early
treatment.
The
option for states to expand Medicaid is a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2012 ruling on the
Affordable Care Act. To assist with the state's expansion costs, the
federal government will pay 100% of the cost of the newly eligible for
2014-2016. Reimbursement gradually decreases in subsequent years but
stays at 90% starting in 2020; however medically needy, disabled may be
considered “newly eligible”
If all states expand
their Medicaid programs, up to 21.3 million Americans, including people with MS
could gain access to affordable, quality and comprehensive coverage.
Medicaid provides people with MS prescription drug coverage and standard medical
benefits like physician and hospital care as well as home- and community-based
services that allow people with MS to remain independent and other forms of
long-term services and support.
If you would like join other MS Activists in supporting Medicaid
expansion in North or South Carolina, please email abby.emanuelson@nmss.org.
