Healthcare

died · North Carolina · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 867: Increased Admin Fund for Medicaid.

This bill allocates $6.5 million in one-time funding to North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services to cover increased administrative costs within the Medicaid program. The money will be distributed to county departments of social services to help them manage expenses resulting from recent federal changes. The legislation allows these funds to be used without requiring additional state reporting that would normally be needed for such financial transfers. Effective retroactively from July 1, 2025, the act aims to ensure counties have the necessary resources to handle their Medicaid administrative duties.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $6.5M to fund Medicaid administrative costs, directly increasing funding for public services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $6.5M to cover Medicaid administrative costs, ensuring program stability and preventing funding gaps.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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in committee · North Carolina · House May 5, 2026

HB 1190: Mindset Advantage Pilot Program.

This bill creates a pilot program in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools to help student-athletes improve their mental health and coping skills through structured wellness sessions. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, participating high schools must offer eight mandatory mindset sessions per year led by mental health professionals, with optional one-on-one support available. The program includes anonymous surveys to track student progress and requires a final report detailing how the funds were used and whether the initiative should be expanded. A one-time grant of $180,000 is provided to the Master's League Foundation to cover the costs of running the program, including staff, coordination, and a potential off-site facility.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates mental health sessions for student-athletes, enhancing student well-being and expanding support services within schools.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates mental health sessions for student-athletes, directly expanding access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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in committee · North Carolina · House May 5, 2026

HB 1183: Defend NC.

HB 1183, titled 'Defend NC,' prohibits North Carolina law enforcement agencies and officers from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in arrests or serving removal warrants. The bill also directs state agencies to explore alternatives for health and education funding lost due to federal cuts and mandates a study to potentially create a new state health research institute. Additionally, it temporarily exempts certain tariff-affected goods from sales tax in 2026 and includes general statements of intent to protect Medicaid eligibility and uphold federal promises to North Carolinians.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary sales tax exemptions for tariff-affected goods and directs agencies to find funding alternatives for federal cuts, protecting state revenue and services.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts law enforcement assistance in immigration arrests, protecting civil rights and limiting federal overreach in criminal justice.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates a study to create a new state health research institute and directs agencies to explore alternatives for health funding lost due to federal cuts.75% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill prohibits state law enforcement from assisting federal immigration arrests, directly limiting cooperation and protecting immigrant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Law Enforcement Medicaid Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · North Carolina · House May 5, 2026

HB 1205: Orthodontic Treatment In-Person Exam Requirement.

HB 1205 requires that anyone selling orthodontic devices or designing custom treatments in North Carolina must first obtain an in-person evaluation from a licensed dentist. This evaluation must include a physical exam, a review of diagnostic imaging to check for dental issues, a consultation on treatment options and risks, and a review of the patient's medical history. The bill also mandates that dentists keep these records for at least seven years and prohibits forcing patients to choose specific device types as a condition of the exam. Additionally, the law allows dentists to request and receive relevant patient records from providers who previously offered these services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient rights by requiring in-person dental evaluations before selling orthodontic devices, ensuring professional oversight.90% confidence

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in committee · North Carolina · House May 4, 2026

HB 1147: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Omnibus.

This bill aims to improve support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in North Carolina through three main changes. It mandates a minimum wage increase of $18 per hour for direct care workers by raising Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers and facilities, with funds appropriated starting in fiscal year 2026-2027. Additionally, the legislation adds at least 1,000 slots to the state's Medicaid waiver program and requires the creation of a ten-year plan to address unmet service needs. Finally, it seeks to remove income and asset limits for the state's Medicaid buy-in program for workers with disabilities, allowing more individuals to qualify for coverage regardless of their earnings or savings.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates funds to increase Medicaid reimbursement and wages for direct care workers, directly advancing budget allocation for essential services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates to raise direct care worker wages and expands Medicaid waiver slots, directly strengthening healthcare access and funding.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates a minimum wage increase of $18/hour for direct care workers, directly advancing worker compensation standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Minimum Wage

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died · North Carolina · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 995: Fix Republican Failures on Public Safety Act.

This North Carolina bill aims to address public safety staffing issues by increasing salaries for state law enforcement and correctional officers, with changes taking effect in July 2026. It establishes new mental health benefits, including 12 confidential annual visits per year, and creates peer support programs to assist officers with stress and burnout. The legislation also introduces retention bonuses for correctional officers and provides grants to help local governments offer comparable pay increases to their own employees. Funded through state appropriations, the bill requires regular reporting on staffing levels, vacancy rates, and the usage of mental health services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens public safety by increasing officer salaries, adding mental health benefits, and creating retention programs to reduce burnout and improve workforce stability.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes new mental health benefits and peer support programs for law enforcement, directly advancing mental health services.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill increases salaries, adds mental health benefits, and creates retention bonuses for public safety workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Mental Health Tags Public Safety

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in committee · North Carolina · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 1081: Veterans/Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy/Funds.

This bill establishes a program to provide free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to North Carolina veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or posttraumatic stress disorder. The legislation appropriates $3 million from the state General Fund to a nonprofit organization to deliver approximately 15,000 treatments to an estimated 350 eligible veterans over the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The program includes structured clinical care and requires the provider to submit a detailed report on outcomes and fund usage by June 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $3 million from the General Fund to fund free hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans, directly increasing state spending on essential public services.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $3M to provide free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with TBI and PTSD, expanding access to specialized mental and physical health services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allocates $3M to provide free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with TBI or PTSD, expanding healthcare benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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in committee · North Carolina · House May 12, 2026

HB 1166: Reorganize and Fund Rare Disease Advisory Council.

HB 1166 reorganizes the North Carolina Advisory Council on Rare Diseases by moving it from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill establishes a 19-member council with diverse representation, including physicians, researchers, patients, caregivers, and industry representatives, who will advise state officials on research, diagnosis, treatment, and education for rare diseases. It also provides funding for the council's operating expenses and sets rules for membership terms, meetings, and the selection of a chair.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly provides funding for the Rare Disease Advisory Council, advancing public health services and government spending.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill reorganizes and funds the Rare Disease Advisory Council to improve research, diagnosis, and treatment access.95% confidence

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in committee · North Carolina · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SB 781: Health Insurance Premium Tax Credit.

This bill creates a tax credit for North Carolina businesses that pay wages to employees to cover their health insurance premiums. To qualify, a business must employ individuals who work at least 35 hours per week and are subject to state tax withholding. Each eligible employee can generate up to a $400 tax credit for the business, but the total credits available in any given year are capped at $5 million. Applications for this credit will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and the state will track and report the number of applications and approvals by county. The provisions of this act will take effect for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax credit for businesses, providing fiscal relief and encouraging employee health coverage.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides tax credits to businesses for employee health insurance premiums, expanding coverage and financial support for healthcare.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Insurance

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in committee · North Carolina · House May 5, 2026

HB 1195: MOMnibus 3.5.

This bill establishes a grant program within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to fund community organizations focused on improving maternal health outcomes for Black women. The program provides financial awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to support initiatives that address social determinants of health, such as housing, transportation, nutrition, and access to childcare. Eligible applicants must be community-based groups led by Black women that offer evidence-based services including doula support, mental health care, and culturally respectful training for health workers. The legislation also requires the department to provide technical assistance to grant recipients and submit annual reports on fund usage and program effectiveness.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a grant program to fund initiatives improving maternal health outcomes for Black women by addressing social determinants of health.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds community initiatives addressing housing as a social determinant of health for Black women.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Women's Health

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