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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Serial Referral To Finance Stricken2025-04-17

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill allows healthcare providers licensed by North Carolina who offer services exclusively through telemedicine (remote video or phone visits) to become Medicaid providers without needing a physical office location or in-state address. Currently, such providers may be required to have a physical presence in the state to enroll in Medicaid.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this expands access to healthcare for Medicaid patients in North Carolina, especially in rural areas with provider shortages, by allowing out-of-state telehealth providers to serve them.
• •They contend that since telemedicine doesn't require physical locations, removing this barrier is unnecessary and can increase competition and patient choice while maintaining provider licensing standards.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may worry this could reduce oversight and accountability if providers have no in-state presence to inspect or regulate.
• •They might also be concerned about potential impacts on local healthcare providers' business or question whether adequate consumer protections exist for patients seeing completely remote, out-of-state providers through the Medicaid program.