Gov. Josh Stein speaks about pending medicaid cuts as Chelsea Grey left, Dr. Jenner Beckham, middle, and Pete Tannebaum look on (Photo by Ahmed Jallow/NC Newsline)
Gov. Josh Stein on Thursday urged lawmakers to prevent looming cuts to the state’s Medicaid program, warning the reductions could hurt residents and cripple already struggling hospitals and clinics.
Speaking at Alliance Medical Ministry in Raleigh, Stein said the state faces a $319 million shortfall, with reimbursement rates for doctors, hospitals and clinics set to drop Oct. 1. If the cuts take effect, he said, patients could face longer wait times, delayed diagnoses and reduced access to essential treatments…