The Senate passed its version of Medicaid expansion this week, which has had a stalling effect at the General Assembly, slowing down budget negotiations.

We're still hearing that the legislative budget proposal will look much like the Governor's budget proposal. We continue to advocate that legislators go even further for state employees and retirees since the state has billions in surplus.

SEANC lobbyists spoke in support of House Bill 1039 this week. This bill is an effort by State Treasurer Dale Folwell to prevent medical debt collections from crippling working families. It also contains provisions that would allow hospitals to help State Health Plan members with out-of-pocket expenses if they qualify for assistance.

Hear more on these issues in this week's Legislative Update!

IN THE NEWS

In this week's news, Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order to give paid leave to state workers for or in place of Juneteenth. Cooper’s office says Executive Order 262 will provide eight hours of paid leave to employees of cabinet agencies. He also encouraged other state agencies, commissions, boards, or offices to do the same.

Also this week, State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced that some critical dialysis and lab services will now carry no copay for Medicare Advantage plan members. This will result in a $1.5 million savings for members.

And longtime SEANC District 45 member Cathy Judge was named the new warden at Harnett Correctional Institution.