Health care expansion backed by many N.C. voters

Henry McKeand
Editor-in-Chief and A&E Editor

      A recent poll has shown that the majority of North Carolina voters support an expansion to healthcare in order to provide insurance to those stuck in the “Medicaid coverage gap” that currently leaves nearly three million Americans, and 350,000 North Carolinians, without health care.  People in this gap do not receive support from the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid.  The decision to expand health care was left to the states, and NC passed on health care extension.   Now there are many voters who would be in favor of reforming health insurance in the state. 
      The poll, which was conducted by Public Policy Polling, surveyed over two thousand NC voters.  Of those polled, 72% said that they would back an increase in coverage.  The state’s legislature will meet next month to further discuss the expansion, but some experts are saying that health care reform will not be brought to the General Assembly for another year.  Many are unsure if Republican legislators will back any form of expansion while some are saying that expanding insurance to cover the gap will not solve all problems with health care.  In addition, Governor Pat McCrory has been skeptical about putting more money into Medicaid in the past.  There are many Republicans who believe that vouchers for those who are uncovered would be more effective. However, 62% of Republicans polled said that they would support an increase in coverage, meaning that NC residents may soon be casting their votes on the issue.

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