With the recent passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” in the U.S. Senate, the Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation (FHLI) expresses deep concern about the sweeping impacts the legislation could have on the health of North Carolina’s communities. The bill has returned to the U.S. House of Representatives for final consideration.
The bill includes significant cuts to the Medicaid program, which could severely impact access to health care, as well as other essential programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), on which many North Carolinians rely.
“These cuts could significantly reduce access to care. We have made tremendous strides in expanding coverage and closing health gaps in North Carolina—and that progress is now at risk,” said Chet Mottershead, Interim FHLI President and CEO. “We’re very concerned about the health and well-being of all North Carolinians, especially those living in our rural communities.”
The cuts could worsen health outcomes and increase the financial burden for more than 3 million children and adults who depend on North Carolina Medicaid, as well as over 650,000 adults who have gained coverage through Medicaid Expansion since December 2023, a disproportionate number of whom live in rural areas.
Additionally, they could jeopardize the stability of health care providers, especially those serving rural communities and those who make up the safety net, serving all patients regardless of their insurance status. Many providers, including rural hospitals, rely on Medicaid funding to keep their doors open.
The cuts also risk destabilizing the overall health system and limiting access to care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while raising costs across the board.
FHLI will continue to invest in a healthier North Carolina through its programs, initiatives, and statewide partnerships. The organization remains committed to supporting community-driven solutions that address social drivers of health and improve health outcomes for everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live.
About FHLI
Launched in 1982 under the leadership of Jim Bernstein, the Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation (FHLI) advances collaborative, community-driven solutions to impact whole-person health for everyone, everywhere in North Carolina.
FHLI programs include:
- Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows
- Jim & Sue Bernstein Health Center Scholarship
- Center of Excellence for Integrated Care (COE)
- NCCARE360
- North Carolina Oral Health Collaborative (NCOHC)
- North Carolina Rural Health Association (NCRHA)
- Project ECHO Network in North Carolina (PEN-NC)