On June 2nd, 2022, the North Carolina Senate voted 44-2 to pass House Bill 149 Expanding Access to Healthcare. While H.B. 149 has gotten significant media coverage related to the Medicaid expansion component, the bill includes several significant changes that will impact state health
policy and the business of health in North Carolina. H.B. 149 is composed of five sections: Medicaid expansion, work requirements for certain beneficiaries, certificate of need reform, modernization of nursing regulations, and health insurance reforms.

This CBOH Insight will break down each section of H.B.149. While Medicaid expansion is vitally important for the state and has received the most attention, we will highlight important takeaways and provide context for why specific sections of the bill remain contentious for both consumers and providers of healthcare services.

Keywords: Medicaid, NC Health Works,Telehealth