At some point in our lives, we all need access to healthcare. In a perfect world, everyone would have access to health insurance, allowing them to seek out care as needed. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for everyone. For more than 300,000 North Carolinians health insurance is simply out of reach.
The Affordable Care Act intended to expand Medicaid coverage to help low-income individuals obtain health insurance. The 2012 Supreme Court ruling made this expansion optional for states. If a state does not expand Medicaid, many people who work still can’t afford insurance and a coverage gap is created. North Carolina is in this situation.
Who is in the coverage gap?
Medicaid does not cover all low-income people in North Carolina. Right now Medicaid primarily extends to children, pregnant women, seniors, and the disabled. Many childless adults and parents do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford health insurance.
Are you working two part-time jobs earning minimum wage? You are probably stuck in the gap.
Or are you a single adult working part-time while attending college? You are probably stuck in the gap.
If we look around us, we will see hard-working people that simply don’t earn enough to afford health insurance. Two-thirds of the people in the coverage gap are in a working family.
The good news is we can fix this situation. By working with our lawmakers we can develop a solution to close the coverage gap in North Carolina. You can help.
Share your story
We know, as advocates, that sharing our personal story and experience is powerful and persuasive. Together we can educate our elected leaders about what it is like to be caught in the coverage gap.
Are you caught in the gap? Or do you know someone caught in the gap? Will you share your story with us? If so, please contact Kim Chidester ([email protected]).
Your story can be the difference and help us close the coverage gap so everyone can access health care.
Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever had.”
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