As Medicaid Expansion Takes Effect, A Reminder That Mark Robinson Opposes Providing Health Care To More Than 600,000 North Carolinians

After more than a decade of advocacy, Medicaid expansion takes effect tomorrow, and more than 600,000 North Carolinians will at long last be able to get health coverage, including 270,000 people who have already been automatically enrolled. Medicaid expansion will also support the state’s rural communities by helping to stem the tide of rural hospital closures, and will provide coverage for rural North Carolinians, who are three to four times more likely to be uninsured. 

Attorney General Josh Stein has long advocated for Medicaid expansion since his time as a state senator and has successfully defended the Affordable Care Act in the U.S. Supreme Court, making Medicaid expansion possible. 

Meanwhile, Mark Robinson has made no secret of his disdain for the new program. As recently as September, he said he was “not pleased” and “dismayed” about Medicaid expansion becoming law and last year, he told Business NC that he “hope[s] that it fails.” 

“Medicaid expansion will deliver life-saving health care to 600,000 North Carolinians, create good-paying jobs, and support rural hospitals – but Mark Robinson ‘hopes that it fails,’” said Kate Frauenfelder, a spokesperson for the campaign. “North Carolinians deserve a leader like Josh Stein who will fight to ensure that everyone can access quality, affordable health care, especially folks in the rural parts of the state  – not someone who will try to kill it.” 

To determine if you are eligible for Medicaid or learn how to apply, click here.