AN ACT to express the general assembly's intent to increase veterans access to health care in north carolina by expanding ELIGIBILITY for the medicaid program to veterans with a modified adjusted gross income that is below one hundred percent of the federal poverty level.

Whereas, contrary to popular belief, not all veterans receive health care from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; and

Whereas, many military veterans, especially those in rural areas, face significant barriers to accessing health care services; and

Whereas, across the State there are an estimated 30,000 military veterans without health insurance and an additional 23,000 uninsured military spouses and children; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  It is the intent of the General Assembly to expand Medicaid eligibility to the following population of North Carolina veterans:

(1)        Veterans with a modified adjusted gross income that is below one hundred percent (100%) of the federal poverty level.

(2)        Veterans who are age 19 or older and under age 65.

(3)        Veterans who are not entitled to or enrolled in Medicare benefits under Part A or Part B of Title XVIII of the federal Social Security Act.

(4)        Veterans who are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid coverage under the North Carolina Medicaid State Plan as it existed on January 1, 2020.

SECTION 1.(b)  For the purposes of this section, a veteran shall be defined as a North Carolina resident who is entitled to any benefits or rights under the laws of the United States by serving in and discharging honorably from the Armed Forces of the United States.

SECTION 2.  It is the intent of the General Assembly that the costs associated with Medicaid expansion to the population described under Section 1 of this act shall be paid entirely from the following sources and without assistance from the federal government:

(1)        The General Fund.

(2)        An increase in assessments on hospitals similar to the Hospital Provider Assessment Act in Article 7 of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes.

(3)        A tax on prepaid health plan premiums and an assessment on managed care organizations operating in this State.

SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.