New poll shows bipartisan voter support for Medicaid expansion in NC

RALEIGH — A new poll reveals strong bipartisan support among North Carolina voters for Medicaid expansion, with majorities across party lines backing the program despite ongoing legislative debates.

The survey, conducted by a coalition of healthcare advocacy groups, found that 67% of registered voters support expanding Medicaid coverage to low-income adults who currently fall into the coverage gap. Support crossed party lines, with 89% of Democratic voters, 71% of unaffiliated voters, and 52% of Republican voters backing expansion.

“These numbers show that North Carolina voters recognize the need for healthcare access for working families,” said Sarah Mitchell, spokesperson for the North Carolina Healthcare Coalition, which commissioned the poll. The survey questioned 1,200 registered voters statewide between March 15-25.

Coverage Gap Affects 600,000 Residents

North Carolina remains one of 11 states that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. An estimated 600,000 low-income adults currently fall into a coverage gap where they earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but too little to receive federal subsidies for marketplace insurance.

The poll found that 78% of voters believe the state should accept federal funding to expand coverage. Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government covers 90% of expansion costs, with states paying the remaining 10%.

“We’re leaving billions of federal dollars on the table while our neighbors go without healthcare,” said Dr. James Rodriguez, a Charlotte emergency room physician who supports expansion. “This poll shows voters understand the issue, even if some legislators don’t.”

Legislative Hurdles Remain

Despite voter support, Medicaid expansion faces continued resistance in the Republican-controlled General Assembly. House Speaker Tim Moore has previously stated that expansion would create unsustainable costs for the state budget.

“While these poll numbers are interesting, we have to look at the long-term fiscal impact on North Carolina taxpayers,” Moore said in a statement Tuesday. “We remain committed to finding sustainable healthcare solutions that don’t burden future generations.”

The poll also revealed that 73% of voters believe Medicaid expansion would help rural hospitals stay open. Fourteen rural hospitals have closed in North Carolina since 2010, according to the North Carolina Rural Health Research Program.

Economic Impact Could Be Significant

Healthcare advocates point to potential economic benefits of expansion. The poll found that 64% of voters believe Medicaid expansion would create jobs and boost the state’s economy.

A 2023 study by the North Carolina Budget and Tax Center estimated that expansion would generate approximately 37,000 jobs and $3.9 billion in federal funding annually. The study also projected that expansion would reduce uncompensated care costs for hospitals by $1.2 billion per year.

“This isn’t just about healthcare access — it’s about economic development for our communities,” said Maria Gonzalez, executive director of the North Carolina Association of Community Health Centers.

The poll’s margin of error was plus or minus 2.8 percentage points. Healthcare advocacy groups plan to use the results to lobby legislators during the upcoming session, which begins in January 2027.

Governor-elect Josh Davis, who takes office in January, campaigned on expanding Medicaid and has pledged to make it a priority in his first 100 days. Davis won election in November with support from 53% of voters.