Raleigh, NC — The North Carolina House of Representatives today responded to Governor Josh Stein’s announcement that his administration will reverse their disastrous and unnecessary Medicaid rate cuts.
Despite repeatedly trying to pin his cuts on the General Assembly, Gov. Stein’s own health agency confirmed Medicaid is fully funded through at least April 2026, supported by $600 million appropriated by lawmakers for the program’s rebase.
Still, on October 1, his administration moved ahead with provider reimbursement rate cuts that put care for thousands of North Carolinians at risk. Those illegal cuts quickly drew lawsuits, with courts partially blocking them.
Meanwhile, House lawmakers have taken the responsible approach, urging Gov. Stein and the NCDHHS to stop their harmful cuts and passing three clean, separate bills in previous months to additionally fund the Medicaid rebase.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to monitor Medicaid spending to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and, if a verified shortfall emerges, act quickly to protect North Carolinians’ access to care.
House Appropriations Senior Chair Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth) said, “Fortunately, the Stein administration finally recognized the negative impact their unnecessary rate cuts had on providers and some of the most vulnerable patients they care for. Holding provider rates stable, as the House has pushed for the last four months, is recognition that patients do not need to be worried about their healthcare access in the future. We have much more work to do to continue improving care at a reasonable and fair cost.”
Health Appropriations Co-Chair Larry Potts (R-Davidson) said, “Gov. Stein manufactured a crisis out of thin air, and regular North Carolinians paid the price for it. I’m glad he’s finally cleaning up his mess, but it should’ve never gotten this far. People deserve steady leadership, not political games.”
Health Appropriations Co-Chair Dr. Timothy Reeder (R-Pitt) said, “This reversal allows for physicians, hospitals, and healthcare providers to continue helping our state’s most vulnerable. I am glad the Governor has rescinded his poorly conceived attempt at balancing a budget on the backs of providers.”
Health Appropriations Co-Chair Donna White (R-Johnston) said, “Gov. Stein’s cuts sparked real fear for families who rely on reliable care. As a nurse, I’ve witnessed how dangerous gaps in care can be. I’m relieved he backed down. It is the best action he could have made now so North Carolina can move forward and help our providers and our constituents.”
Rep. Grant Campbell, MD (R-Cabarrus) said, “I’ve seen firsthand how uncertainty can shake patients and providers alike. There was no sound reason for these cuts, and erasing them doesn’t undo the damage.”