North Carolina lawmakers approve $319M Medicaid bill amid immigrant concerns

TL;DR: North Carolina lawmakers passed HB 696, allocating $319 million to fund Medicaid through June. A provision that could affect care for nearly 27,000 women and children will not take effect until October.

Claim 1: North Carolina lawmakers approved HB 696, which allocates $319 million to fund Medicaid through June. Evidence: ABC11 confirms the bill allocates $319 million to fund Medicaid through June after negotiations. The Center Square notes the $319 million funding keeps the program running through June 30. Yahoo reports final approval of $319 million Medicaid funding to keep the program afloat through June. Verdict: True Analysis: All three outlets independently report the same amount and end date, showing consistent coverage and high confidence in the claim.

Claim 2: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services stated that a provision in HB 696 could affect care for nearly 27,000 women and children statewide. Evidence: ABC11 cites DHHS concerns that the provision could affect care for nearly 27,000 women and children. Yahoo notes Democratic lawmakers warned the bill could deny Medicaid to 27,000 pregnant women and children based on immigration status, referencing DHHS statements. Verdict: True Analysis: The figure comes directly from DHHS quotes in two news sources, with no contradictory data presented.

Claim 3: The provision in HB 696 concerning immigrant communities would not take effect until October. Evidence: ABC11 includes Berger’s comment that the provision would not be effective until October. Yahoo repeats the statement that the provision would not take effect until October, as noted by Berger. Verdict: True Analysis: Both outlets cite the same statement from Republican Senate Leader Phil Berger, and no source disputes the October start date.

Watch for Governor Josh Stein’s action on the bill and any further debate over the immigrant provision before its October implementation.