After Court Losses, Gov. Stein Ends Political Games On Medicaid Funding
This week, Gov. Stein finally announced that he planned to end his political games surrounding Medicaid funding. Several months ago, Stein claimed that because Republicans declined to update the budget during the long session, Medicaid faced a shortfall for provider rates. At the time, Republican leaders in the legislature disputed his analysis, clarified that Medicaid had the funding, and passed proposals to address the eventual problem. Over the last month, Stein’s political scheme to cut Medicaid rates was partially blocked by the Courts.
"Governor Stein's politically-motivated cuts to Medicaid put North Carolinians through manufactured chaos for no reason. Today's reversal shows he lied to our state's most vulnerable families," said NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons.
Here is what N.C. House Republicans had to say about Stien’s decision to end his political games.
House Appropriations Senior Chair Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth) said, “Fortunately, the Stein administration finally recognized the negative impact their unnecessary rate cuts had on providers and some of the most vulnerable patients they care for. Holding provider rates stable, as the House has pushed for the last four months, is recognition that patients do not need to be worried about their healthcare access in the future. We have much more work to do to continue improving care at a reasonable and fair cost.”
Health Appropriations Co-Chair Larry Potts (R-Davidson) said, “Gov. Stein manufactured a crisis out of thin air, and regular North Carolinians paid the price for it. I’m glad he’s finally cleaning up his mess, but it should’ve never gotten this far. People deserve steady leadership, not political games.”
Health Appropriations Co-Chair Dr. Timothy Reeder (R-Pitt) said, “This reversal allows for physicians, hospitals, and healthcare providers to continue helping our state’s most vulnerable. I am glad the Governor has rescinded his poorly conceived attempt at balancing a budget on the backs of providers.”
Health Appropriations Co-Chair Donna White (R-Johnston) said, “Gov. Stein’s cuts sparked real fear for families who rely on reliable care. As a nurse, I’ve witnessed how dangerous gaps in care can be. I’m relieved he backed down. It is the best action he could have made now so North Carolina can move forward and help our providers and our constituents.”
Rep. Grant Campbell, MD (R-Cabarrus) said, “I’ve seen firsthand how uncertainty can shake patients and providers alike. There was no sound reason for these cuts, and erasing them doesn’t undo the damage.”
