The Bottom Line For North Carolina
While the focus of closing the gap is on health care, the economic health of our state is also at stake.
How Will Closing The Gap Help NC?
The key economic benefit in closing the gap is additional jobs. George Washington University researchers estimate that 43,000 jobs would be created in North Carolina between 2016 and 2020 if we closed the gap. This amazing number would help support an additional $20 billion in business activity and an increase of $1 billion in revenue for the state over the same period.
At this point, we have lost untold numbers of jobs and business opportunities due to the state administration’s and the General Assembly’s inaction. It’s time to act.
43,000 jobs would be created between 2016 and 2020…and an additional $20 billion in business activity and $1 billion in revenue for the state.
Lifeline For Vital Community Hospitals
The burden of caring for the uninsured is especially hard on small, rural hospitals and health centers. Uncompensated care severely squeezes hospital budgets. These hospitals are critical to ensuring that high-quality care is available to all North Carolinians. When a hospital closes, jobs are lost, and without this vital community resource, people have to travel longer distances for essential, and often lifesaving care. In other words, the entire community suffers.
Because the governor’s administration and the General Assembly have taken no action on closing the gap, several hospitals in NC have been forced to close their doors. If we fail to close the coverage gap, this problem is only going to get worse. We need to act now to save our hospitals.
How Closing The Gap Helps Your County
The groundbreaking George Washington University study looked at all 100 counties in NC and calculated exactly how much each county stands to benefit from Medicaid expansion. Check out this interactive map to see what funds are on the line for your county. It’s time to take a stand to create jobs and strengthen our economy.
We Can Create Change.
It’s not too late to expand Medicaid. Now is the time to speak out and make our voices heard. The more we talk about closing the gap, the more our state leaders will feel pressure to act. Closing the coverage gap is the right thing to do for all North Carolinians. Here’s what you can do:
- Write letters to your senator, your representative and Governor Cooper. You can find them here.
- Add your name to the Close the Gap petition. The best tool we have is our numbers and our networks—relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers. If we gather enough people, in every legislative district across the state, our elected officials will have to listen.
- Follow our social channels—Facebook & Twitter—for news, to stay on top of what’s happening, and to see when the next event will be held in your area.