Memo to NC Chamber of Commerce Regarding Medicaid Expansion

The Supreme Court ruled in June that the new health reform law permits, rather than requires, states to expand their Medicaid programs to cover people with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line. Now, North Carolina must choose whether to expand Medicaid. If North Carolina chooses to expand its Medicaid program, tens of thousands of low-wage workers who do not currently have health coverage will become eligible for Medicaid. This would be a boon for small businesses in North Carolina. Not only would it create a healthier, more productive workforce, but it would stimulate the economy and help employers avoid large penalties.