Medicaid cuts are looming

North Carolina is making cuts to Medicaid tomorrow because state lawmakers still haven't agreed on a budget that fully funds the program.

Why it matters: Over 3.1 million people — one in four North Carolinians — have health care coverage through Medicaid.

What they're saying: Cuts could lead providers to stop accepting Medicaid, doctors and state health officials said in a Thursday press conference organized by the governor.

• If that happens, Wake County OB-GYN Jenna Beckham says, patients will lose access to "routine exams, prenatal care, cancer screenings and other essential services."
• "This will lead to longer wait times, delayed diagnoses and worse health outcomes," she fears.

The latest: The state will stop covering the use of GLP-1s — like Wegovy or Zepbound — for weight loss. DHHS cites "shortfalls in state funding."

• And up to 10% will be trimmed off the prices health care providers are reimbursed for treating Medicaid patients.

Yes, but: The Department of Health and Human Services says the rate cuts are all reversible if a budget is passed. GLP-1s face a more uncertain future.

Catch up quick: The legislature approved $600 million for Medicaid earlier this year, but leaders from both parties agree millions more is needed.

Driving the news: Legislative Republicans are split over what else should be tied to the money. Both chambers unanimously passed bills last week with at least $170 million more for Medicaid.

• The Senate's bill also includes $103.5 million promised last year for a children's hospital that Duke and UNC have planned in Apex, plus $105 million for rural hospitals.

• The House would only pass a "clean bill."
• "What's crazy is that their disagreements have nothing to do with Medicaid," Gov. Josh. Stein said.

Friction point: Republican leaders say the Democrat-led executive branch's Medicaid cuts are too hasty.

• "It was really out of left field to see the governor come in and cut those rates," House Speaker Destin Hall says.
• Stein counters that the constitution requires the state to balance its budget, and it's been putting cuts off for months. "DHHS cannot spend money that it does not have. It cannot put healthcare costs on a credit card," he says.

What's next: The General Assembly isn't scheduled to return to Raleigh until Oct. 20.