Stein calls for full Medicaid funding for maternal health

AHMED JALLOW | NC NEWSLINE

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein shows a proclamation supporting the closure of a $319 million Medicaid funding gap to close racial disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Gov. Josh Stein stood with advocates at the Executive Mansion last week to mark Black Maternal Health Week, and used the event to call on the General Assembly to close a $319 million Medicaid funding gap. 

“If we do not fully fund Medicaid soon, health care for millions of North Carolinians could be in jeopardy, and the entire health care system weakens,” Stein said.

The event brought together lawmakers and advocates who highlighted persistent racial disparities in maternal health outcomes that impact not just Black women in North Carolina, but across the country. 

Stein noted Black women are twice as likely as white women to die from pregnancy-related complications in North Carolina, regardless of their income or education. 

“While there is no single solution, strengthening Medicaid and our healthcare system is essential,” he said. 

Health officials and advocates said many pregnancy-related deaths could be prevented with earlier intervention, better access to care and stronger coordination across the health system.

Advocates also highlighted community-based services aimed at filling gaps in care, including doula support, mental health services, transportation assistance and nutrition support.

Sen. Natalie Murdock (D-Durham) said the state has made some progress, including extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months. “But we still need a budget to fully fund Medicaid to keep those gains,” Murdock said.

Murdock also said she plans to reintroduce the “MOMnibus Act,” a proposal specifically addressing disparities affecting Black mothers. She has introduced similar bills in the past three years, but none has made progress. 

The U.S. maternal mortality rate is among the worst in the world, and worse for Black women, who are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.

More than 80 percent of maternal deaths are preventable, according to data collected from Maternal Mortality Review Committees. MMRCs are multidisciplinary teams that convene at the state or local level to review deaths during or within one year of the end of pregnancy.

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