CHARLOTTE, N.C — The North Carolina Senate released their budget proposal without a $5.8 million increase in Medicaid pay for private duty nurses.

In the meantime, the bill where this reimbursement increase is proposed currently sits in the House Money Committee, awaiting consideration.


What You Need To Know

  • The North Carolina Senate released their budget without any increase in Medicaid reimbursement for private duty nurses.

  • The bill where this reimbursement increase is proposed currently sits in the North Carolina House Money Committee, awaiting consideration.

  • The North Carolina House could include the a $5.8 million increase in Medicaid funding in their budget or add the line item at any time during negotiations with the Senate.

  • The House and Senate will need to create a joint final budget to send to Gov. Roy Cooper.

Dimpal Patel has muscular dystrophy and needs 24-hour care after getting a tracheostomy in 2009.

Patel said nurses have been leaving for higher paying jobs in hospitals or assisted living centers and it has been difficult to find replacements.

“They help me with everything. Even helping brush my teeth, personal care, everything. So these nurses deserve to be paid more so we can keep the nurses in home health care,” Patel said.

The House still needs to release their budget, which could include the increase. The House could also add the line item during negotiations with the Senate before sending the final budget to Gov. Roy Cooper.