Â鶹ŮÓÅ

While at least a dozen states that have expanded Medicaid are dealing with unexpectedly high enrollment and budget concerns, Utah lawmakers are hopeful their plan to insure thousands of low-income Utahns will be secure and sustainable. ... Some lawmakers in other states worry the health care expansion programs could mean less money for other state services, such as education. At least 22 states were dealing with budget shortfalls for the 2016 fiscal year, according to an Associated Press review earlier this year. Utah Republican leaders say the state is moving forward on expansion because they believe their plan could address those very concerns and mitigate the risks. (McKellar, 7/20)

Under President Barack Obama’s signature Affordable Care Act, states can choose to expand the Medicaid program to cover people whose incomes fall below 133 percent of the federal poverty level but are not currently eligible for the program. Estimates put the number of people in North Carolina that would apply at between 318,000 and 500,000. (Hoban, 7/20)