NCACC Weekly Update — March 10, 2023 | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Notable Activity

    Members of the House and Senate reached a spending agreement for the biennium, indicating that budget negotiations are underway. Spending will increase in both years-6.5% in 2023 and 3.75% in 2024 for a total budget of $29.7 billion in 2024 and $30.8 billion in 2025. General Assembly leadership has indicated a budget bill will go to Governor Cooper for his signature by June.

    A long-awaited compromise on Medicaid Expansion passed another hurdle this week. House Bill 76 Access to Health Care Options passed the Senate Rules Committee and now heads to the floor for a vote before anticipated concurrence in the House. In addition to provisions reported on in last week's update, the bill includes appropriations to aid counties in preparing for and implementing expansion including:

• $4 million to counties to prepare to implement Medicaid expansion
• $1.667 million per month for each month that Medicaid expansion is effective for fiscal years 2022-2024
• $29.6 million for fiscal year 2024-2025
• $31.2 million for fiscal year 2025-2026

    A $50 million appropriation for eligibility determinations and inmate medical care that was included in the version of the bill that passed the House was not included in the version passed by the Senate, but additional funds are likely to be a part of continued negotiations. The legislation also contains provisions aimed at reducing the administrative burden of county departments of social services through increased automation for re-determinations and new applications in NC FAST as well as in the federally facilitated marketplace.

    Additionally, House Bill 122 Reimburse Late Audit Costs with Sales Tax Rev. passed the House this week. As previously reported, the legislation would allow the Local Government Commission to withhold up to 150% of the cost of an audit in sales tax revenue from local units of government who are behind on audits. NCACC opposes this legislation and will continue to advocate for additional support to counties who face challenges in this area. The bill has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee but has not been scheduled for a hearing.


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   Email: communications@ncacc.org