The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss how new federal and state laws will impact NC Medicaid, including who will need to meet a new work and community engagement requirement, who will lose coverage under these new rules and how to prepare for upcoming changes to the program.
Event participants include:
- Melanie Bush, Deputy Secretary for NC Medicaid, Division of Health Benefits, NCDHHS
- LaQuana Palmer, MPA, Deputy Director, NC Medicaid Communications and Engagement, Division of Health Benefits, NCDHHS
- Jenny Hobbs, Chair, NC Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Council; Co-founder and Board Chair, Advocates for Medically Fragile Kids NC
Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss:
- How to prepare for changes
- Guidance on the work and community engagement requirement
- Who will lose coverage and when changes will take place
- Where to find information, resources and support
Due to federal changes, there are many non-citizens who will no longer be able to have Medicaid coverage as of Oct. 1, 2026. Additional Medicaid changes for people ages 19 through 64 without a disability will begin on Jan. 1, 2027. The NC Medicaid website provides information on what to expect, when changes to eligibility and renewals go into effect and where to find resources. Individuals can also connect with their local Department of Social Services to better understand their health coverage options and how the new rules may impact their care.
A new Know What’s Next toolkit is available in English and Spanish to help share information about the new rules for NC Medicaid. The toolkit includes bilingual materials for people to share with their networks and help communities continue to access health coverage and services. The toolkits are posted on Medicaid.nc.gov/changes (English) and Medicaid.nc.gov/cambios (Spanish). Community organizations can request printed materials at no cost by completing the online order form by Sept. 11, 2026.
The North Carolina Medicaid program provides affordable health coverage, access to doctors and prescriptions for more than 3 million children, older adults, people with disabilities, veterans and working North Carolinians. Medicaid covers 1 in 4 people in North Carolina, along with half of all births in the state.
The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook, X (Twitter) and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 135957#.