Medicaid and SNAP Update

North Carolinians who rely on NC Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are facing a serious crisis. On November 1st, Medicaid services are at risk of further cuts and SNAP benefits could be delayed.

NC Medicaid

State lawmakers have been meeting with North Carolina DHHS leaders for several months trying to come to agreement that would fully fund NC Medicaid. On October 21st, the NC House passed H.R. 491, An Act to Fund the Medicaid Rebase, which would give needed funding to NC Medicaid. However, the Senate did not take up the bill. North Carolina DHHS has made it clear without this funding they will need to make additional cuts to the Medicaid program on November 1st. These cuts will impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities which will limit the number of Medicaid patients seen by providers, loss of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and loss of Medicaid services.

SNAP

SNAP, also known as food stamps, provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being. Many people rely on this program to help them Many people live on tight budgets and have to make tough choices between paying bills, purchasing medication, or buying food. People with disabilities already face higher rates of poverty and food insecurity, putting them more at risk. SNAP is a lifeline that can keep people healthy and out of the emergency room.

It's important to note, October SNAP benefits have been funded and loaded to EBT cards. You can keep using your card as usual. These benefits will not expire at the end of the month. Once the government shutdown ends, November SNAP benefits will be available.

What You Can Do

Contact Governor Stein and ask him to direct the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to delay cuts to Medicaid rates. The delay will allow the North Carolina General Assembly to continue discussions regarding Medicaid funding and develop a resolution.

If you need help locating a food pantry:

  • Food Bank of North Carolina
  • FoodFinder: Find food pantries near you.
  • USDA National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (7 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET) or text FOOD to 914-342-7744.
  • FullCart: Sign up for free food delivered to your home (please note that there’s a waitlist for this service).
  • 211: Call 211 or visit 211.org for local help with food, housing, utilities, and more.

The Arc of North Carolina continues to advocate for Medicaid and SNAP benefits for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our Advocacy team has met with several lawmakers and their staff to discuss solutions to this crisis. Please continue to go to our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.