Topics Related to Healthier people

Today Governor Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services celebrate two years since the implementation of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina. More than 690,000 newly eligible North Carolinians have gained access to affordable health care through Medicaid expansion, including veterans and workers in child care, construction, hospitality, home health care, and other industries essential to our state’s success.  
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) earlier this month submitted its Rural Health Transformation Plan to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The plan demonstrates how the state could use $200 million in federal funding annually over five years to improve health across 85 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. CMS is expected to announce funding decisions by December 31, 2025.
Governor Josh Stein, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western NC (GROW NC) announce an additional investment to build on the success of the WNC Thrive initiative, one of many NCDHHS efforts to help children and families recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. This announcement brings the total investment in additional resources for children, youth, and families in the 22 counties hit hardest by Helene, including free after-school, weekend, and summer camp programs, to a total of $3.75 million.
Today Governor Josh Stein visited The Smith Family Behavioral Health Urgent Care in Charlotte to highlight the importance of expanding access to mental health treatment and ensuring every North Carolinian can get the health care they need when they need it.
Today Governor Josh Stein released the following statement on Speaker Destin Hall and President Pro Tempore Phil Berger’s failure to fund Medicaid:
Today, in advance of the North Carolina Awards, Governor Josh Stein volunteered at MANNA FoodBank in Asheville.  During his visit, Governor Stein presented a $585,000 check from the State of North Carolina, part of his ongoing initiative to surge public and private donations to food banks. While the government shutdown had prevented NCDHHS from distributing full benefits, new guidance received today from the USDA has enabled NCDHHS to load full benefits onto recipients’ cards tomorrow morning.
Today Governor Josh Stein and Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt joined state and elected local officials in volunteering at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina as federal food assistance continues to stall. During his visit, Governor Stein presented a $3.34 million check from the State of North Carolina, part of his ongoing initiative to surge public and private donations to food banks.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) today announced extended hours for NCServes and the launch of AskMeNC, two initiatives that expand access to care for North Carolina’s veterans and their families.
Today Governor Josh Stein highlighted the stories of Medicaid patients and providers while calling an extra session of the North Carolina General Assembly on November 17, 2025, to fund Medicaid. Governor Stein was joined by disability advocates Demi Eckhoff and Betsy MacMichael and Dr. Karen Smith, all of whom shared the impact of Medicaid on their lives.
Today Governor Josh Stein announced that the State of North Carolina will grant $10 million to local food banks across the state. The State is joined by AmeriHealth Caritas, which will give $5 million, The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, which will accelerate $2.5 million from a previously announced $10 million gift, and other donors. These announcements come as food banks prepare for an influx of need following the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s decision to suspend the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November.