Anniversary of Medicaid expansion is grounds for celebration

The past few years have seldom been a time for celebration in the world of North Carolina policymaking. In numerous subject areas, the state legislature has enacted regressive laws that promote inequality, segregation, and a less sustainable planet.

Thankfully, one shining exception to this trend celebrated its one-year anniversary this week—the expansion of the state’s Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act.

After a decade of stubborn resistance that caused thousands of premature deaths and billions of dollars in unnecessary medical debt, Republican legislative leaders finally bowed to public opinion and financial reality and worked with Gov. Cooper to expand the program.

And oh, what a success it’s been. Already, nearly 600,000 North Carolinians have gained access to health insurance and the peace of mind and physical wellbeing that it provides.

The bottom line: As he leaves office, Medicaid expansion is clearly Gov. Roy Cooper’s greatest achievement. All North Carolinians should be grateful for the efforts that made it happen and hope fervently that it can serve as a model for further bipartisan lawmaking.

For NC Newsline I’m Rob Schofield.