Furthermore, a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates that if health care marketplace subsidies expire at the end of 2025, the number of uninsured North Carolinians could rise significantly.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has made an urgent appeal to the U.S. Senate, urging opposition to proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, which he argues would severely impact the well-being of residents.

In a letter sent to Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd on June 6, 2025, Stein highlighted the detrimental effects of the proposed cuts included in the U.S. House reconciliation bill.

Additionally, an anticipated increase in administrative cost sharing from 50% to 75% would further strain financially challenged rural counties, threatening essential food support and public services.

The implications of the proposed bill are severe, with nearly 470,000 North Carolinians at risk of losing their health care coverage, including 255,000 specifically from Medicaid cuts.

Previously, in March 2025, Stein had urged Congress to reconsider proposed Medicaid cuts, expressing deep concerns for vulnerable populations like children and seniors.

Stein pointed out that Medicaid is vital for the state's most vulnerable populations, such as children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, and cuts could jeopardize their well-being.

The Governor's office warned that the House bill forces the state into a difficult position, having to choose between essential food support and health coverage or diverting resources from public services.

In his letter, Stein also highlighted the bipartisan support for these federal programs in North Carolina, underscoring their importance for working families and rural communities.

Stein emphasized the significant role of SNAP in North Carolina's economy, noting it injects $2.8 billion annually and supports local farmers and food distribution networks.

He stressed that both Medicaid and SNAP are crucial for improving health, supporting the economy, and assisting local governments, hospitals, farmers, and grocers throughout the state.

The proposed changes to SNAP could shift up to 25% of food benefit costs to the states, which would impose an annual burden of approximately $700 million on North Carolina, risking vital nutrition services.