The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 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 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
- Sarah A. Gregosky, Assistant Secretary and Deputy Medicaid Director for NC Medicaid, Division of Health Benefits, NCDHHS
- Gina Hamilton, Deputy Director, Member Operations Oversight for NC Medicaid, Division of Health Benefits, NCDHHS
Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss:
- Recent updates to the program due to new federal rules
- How to prepare for Jan. 1, 2027 changes
- Guidance on the work and community engagement requirement
- Where to find information, resources and support
Due to federal changes, there are many non-citizens who no longer 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 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).
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. In many rural counties, Medicaid provides health coverage to more than half of the population.
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. 137698#.