After three years of continuous Medicaid coverage as permitted by COVID-19-related waivers, in 2023 counties had to begin redeterminations of eligibility, "unwinding" this continuous coverage. As unwinding and eligibility determination continues, Medicaid expansion has begun, and county public health leaders are navigating uncertain but exciting waters. Lisa Macon Harrison, MPH, of Granville Vance Public Health, and Joshua Swift, MPH, of Forsyth County Department of Public Health, share their experiences, concerns, and hopes for the future.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA quarter of a million North Carolinians admit to experienc¬ing opioid use disorder; over 1,000 die each year. Only 1 in 5 receives effective, evidence-based treatment. Medicaid covers treatment and will increase access for members with opioid use disorder, who have been found to fare better than those with private insurance.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTelehealth was instrumental in NC Medicaid's ability to pro-vide health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses of utilization and survey data and interviews with key Medicaid payors and providers reveal trends in beneficiary access to and utilization of services, presenting NC Medicaid with opportunities to build upon lessons learned.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services plans to utilize a data-driven approach to evaluate the impacts of Medicaid expansion in the state. The evaluation plan includes tracking enrollment counts, creating metrics for monitoring of activities, setting measurable goals, and involving trusted community partners throughout.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, people who may have otherwise lost Medicaid coverage kept it without the need to reapply annually. In 2023, this continuous coverage began to unwind just as North Carolina prepared to expand Medicaid. This issue of the tracks the evolution of the state's public payer landscape in unprecedented times of change, with data, analysis, and personal experiences from public health, philanthropy, clinicians, and Medicaid members.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: The rates of syphilis among pregnant women and infants have increased in recent years, particularly in the U.S. South.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCOVID-19 has disproportionately affected non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black) and Hispanic persons in the United States (1,2). In North Carolina during January-September 2020, deaths from COVID-19 were 1.6 times higher among Black persons than among non-Hispanic White persons (3), and the rate of COVID-19 cases among Hispanic persons was 2.
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