Care4Carolina (C4C) seeks to strengthen the economic and social well-being of the state by increasing access to affordable, quality healthcare for all North Carolinians. Betsy Vetter, Regional VP of Government Relations, is chair of the coalition, which is funded by grants from The Cone Health Foundation and the American Heart Association (AHA). C4C continues to meet monthly with a diverse group of members who support the mission to find a solution to close the insurance coverage gap in North Carolina. C4C’s partners are committed to a healthier North Carolina and stand ready to develop strategies to help eliminate disparities in access to healthcare coverage.
C4C is interested in a recent study from the AHA that observed the effects of Medicaid expansion in the region of Multnomah County, Oregon. The study found that the health insurance expansion was associated with significant cardiac health benefits. After the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Multnomah County, AHA found that there was a 17% decrease in the incidence of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.
One possible explanation the study provides for the cardiac health benefits is that people are more likely to seek out cardiovascular care when they have health insurance. Based on the findings of this pilot study, the AHA wishes to further investigate the health effects associated with expanding health insurance coverage with a larger, more representative population.
This report sends a strong message that people with insurance receive critical health care and screenings that potentially prevent catastrophic medical events. This improves people’s lives and the overall health of the community.
C4C plans to continue to grow the coalition, engage volunteers and partners and raise the awareness of the public on the importance of closing the gap for our state.
Want to learn more about Care4Carolina? Contact Carla Obiol!
Our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been fighting heart disease and stroke, striving to save and improve lives. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.