A new report estimates that over a quarter of a million North Carolinians lost their health insurance as a result of job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report, published in The North Carolina Medical Journal, says that about 257,000 people in North Carolina lost health coverage during the first six months of the pandemic.
According to The News and Observer, over a million residents were already uninsured in 2019. That's just over 11 percent of the state's population, making it one of the highest rates in the country. The nationwide average is roughly 9 percent.
A recent U.S. Census survey shows that lack of insurance is hitting people of color disproportionately hard.
Eligibility for Medicaid is limited in North Carolina, one of 12 states that have not adopted Medicaid expansion as promoted through the Affordable Care Act.
While eligibility requirements for affordable health care options have been loosened, advocates say a lack of public education has kept enrollment levels low.
For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.