[Hattiesburg American]
WASHINGTON – About six out of 10 uninsured African Americans may be eligible for free or greatly reduced health insurance through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, according to a new report the government issued Tuesday.
The announcement comes as the Obama administration continues its push to persuade the 20 states that have not expanded Medicaid to do so, including North Carolina, which is one of six states with the highest numbers of uninsured African Americans, according to the report.
Despite the problems with the HealthCare.gov website, the portal through which many Americans will buy health insurance, Medicaid enrollments have been a bright spot for the Affordable Care Act.
“Our residents are really missing out on an opportunity here,” said Durham, N.C., Mayor Bill Bell during a White House press conference Monday. “By not participating, North Carolina’s just becoming a donor state.”