North Carolina lawmakers set to vote on House bill funding Medicaid

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina lawmakers are expected to vote Wednesday on a House bill that would fully fund Medicaid for the remainder of the fiscal year, following months of debate over rising enrollment and increasing costs.

The proposal, agreed to by House and Senate Republicans, would set aside $319 million to cover Medicaid expenses through June. State health officials say that amount is needed to keep pace with higher than expected participation and healthcare costs.

The agreement was announced the same day Governor Josh Stein released his budget proposal, which also called for fully funding Medicaid.

The bill includes several provisions aimed at addressing alleged waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicaid program. Those measures were a major focus of a lengthy hearing at the legislature last week, during which Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley were questioned by lawmakers.

The legislation would allow for a potential audit of the Medicaid program by State Auditor Dave Boliek and would make changes to the Medicaid renewal process.

House Democrats said fully funding Medicaid remains their top healthcare priority, particularly to protect Medicaid expansion.

"House Democrats' top priority in the healthcare space is making Medicaid whole," said Rep. Cynthia Ball (D Wake). "Ensuring that it continues to provide the life saving coverage people rely on and protecting the years long effort to expand Medicaid that now covers about 700,000 North Carolinians."

The House is scheduled to gavel in at 1 p.m., with the Senate following at 2 p.m.

Editor's Note: Featured video is from a previous report.