Remember, we keep being told that this is not political, but, then, groups like Capitol Broadcasting Corporation, which runs several properties here in NC, including TV stations WRAL, WRAZ, WILM, along with 5 radio stations, keep proving themselves wrong
Editorial: State should make sure ALL in need are tested for coronavirus
In the emergency $8.3 billion spending package approved in Congress last week to address the coronavirus outbreak, there’s at least $13 million in emergency funding set aside for North Carolina to address local public health needs associated with the outbreak.
Several states have already announced that some of those funds will be used to pay for – or substantially subsidize – the cost of coronavirus testing for patients who lack health coverage. In most states, particularly the 38 that have expanded Medicaid, it is a relatively small number.
But that is not the case in North Carolina because it hasn’t expanded Medicaid. Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration is giving serious consideration to using some of those emergency federal dollars to pay for those who do need to be tested but cannot afford it. Such a move would be the right thing, not just helping those with financial challenges, but also because it is the right thing to protect the public health.
But this is a state where the General Assembly’s leadership has steadfastly refused to extend health coverage to those who need it but cannot afford it. Should Cooper decide to use the emergency federal funds for the coronavirus testing, no one should ignore the very real possibility legislative leaders might try to block it.
Preposterous, you say. Not so fast.
Yeah, it is preposterous, and just shows the way Democrats are using this for political purposes. And, for all the lofty yammering about free tests for all, this is really about using coronavirus to push to expand Medicaid
In opinion poll after opinion poll, North Carolina citizens are overwhelming in their support of expanding Medicaid.
But North Carolina elected leaders turn a cold shoulder. They say if anyone wants health coverage “the best thing that folks can do is get a job.â€Â The reality is that most of the more than half-million North Carolinians who would qualify for assistance under Medicaid Expansion are working or are the children of parents who are working. They just don’t make enough money and don’t work for firms that provide health coverage.
They won’t be so enthused about expanding Medicaid when they have to pay for it and service is rationed.
These federal funds SHOULD be used to be sure EVERYONE who needs to be tested, regardless of financial status, has it done. The legislature needs to stay out of the way.
The General Assembly hasn’t said word one about this.
