North Carolina becomes 40th state to expand Medicaid 600,000 residents gain coverage

North Carolina, historically one of the most resistant Southern states to Medicaid expansion, officially begins enrolling residents in expanded Medicaid coverage under the ACA, becoming the 40th state to do so. North Carolina's expansion covers adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, extending coverage to approximately 600,000 uninsured residents. The expansion, enacted by the Republican-controlled state legislature, is celebrated by the Biden administration as evidence of Medicaid expansion's broad support. With North Carolina joining, the number of uninsured Americans continues falling toward a historic low. South Dakota follows in July 2023, and Idaho completes its expansion in January 2024.