Gov. Stein highlighted rural health investments and summer nutrition programs while criticizing lawmakers over budget delays.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gov. Josh Stein announced Thursday that North Carolina will receive $213 million in federal funding to expand rural health care access while calling on state lawmakers to pass a budget before the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits threatens to increase insurance costs for residents.
The funding, awarded through the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program, will support health care improvements for more than 3 million North Carolinians living in rural communities, Stein said during his latest NC Strong update.
“RHTP funding will help improve health care access for the more than 3 million North Carolinians living in rural communities,” Stein said. “Our investments in preventive care, the rural health care workforce, and technology will strengthen rural health care for patients.”
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services applied for the federal grants, which will support more than 400 rural health care facilities. According to NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Dev Sangvai, the program will strengthen the rural health care workforce, enhance health care technology and digital solutions, increase access to mental health services, and establish locally governed hubs connecting medical, mental health and social support programs.
North Carolina will also create a Rural Health Innovation Fund to help rural providers access new technologies.
Budget impasse and health insurance concerns
Stein used the announcement to criticize state lawmakers over the lack of a comprehensive budget, warning that residents could face higher health insurance costs as federal ACA tax credits are set to expire.
“Between the General Assembly’s stalemate and Congress’ decision to not extend ACA tax credits, too many North Carolinians risk seeing their health insurance bills skyrocket,” Stein said. “We do not have to go down this road. I call on the General Assembly to pass a budget that puts people first, and I invite them back to the table to solve the problems North Carolinians are facing.”
SUN Bucks program returns through private funding
The governor also announced the return of the SUN Bucks summer nutrition program through a public-private partnership. In the absence of state budget funding, private organizations including the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, Coca-Cola Consolidated and the Duke Endowment are supporting the program.
“Hunger doesn’t take a vacation when schools let out for the summer,” Stein said. “Summer is one of the hardest times for families who lose access to school meals; the SUN Bucks program helps fill that gap.”
The program provides eligible families with a one-time payment of $120 per child for summer groceries. In 2024, SUN Bucks brought nearly $130 million in federal funds to North Carolina, helping feed more than 1 million school-age children.
Other contributing organizations include Dogwood Health Trust, Bryson Foundation, AJ Fletcher Foundation and Brighthouse Financial.
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