N.C. Democratic Party: Ahead of the 56th Anniversary of Medicare & Medicaid, a Reminder of #NCSEN Candidates Repeated Attacks on North Carolinians' Health Care

RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 29 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news:

As North Carolinians celebrate this week's 56th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, these programs continue to be under constant attacks by Republican politicians like Congressman Ted Budd, former Governor Pat McCrory, and former Congressman Mark Walker, and their agenda that threatens North Carolinians' health care.

While Senate Democrats have worked to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid for seniors and hardworking families, Republican candidates for U.S. Senate in North Carolina have repeatedly attacked these programs -- jeopardizing health care coverage for over 4 million North Carolinians who depend on these programs to access affordable care and prescription medication.

"Health care is on the ballot in 2022, and this week's anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid is a clear reminder that the agenda of every single Republican running for North Carolina's U.S. Senate seat threatens these vital programs," said NCDP spokeswoman Kate Frauenfelder. "From blocking Medicaid expansion to attempting to repeal the Affordable Care Act, these GOP politicians have tried to take away health care at every turn, even while supporting spending tax dollars on handouts to the wealthy and well-connected. In North Carolina, voters will hold them accountable for their wrong priorities and constant attacks on these programs."

A look at Senate Republicans' and #NCSEN GOP candidates attacks on Medicare and Medicaid:

* As Governor, Pat McCrory signed legislation that blocked Medicaid expansion, denying health care access to the hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians who fall in the coverage gap.

* Congressman Ted Budd and former Congressman Mark Walker voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which if successful would have put an end to Medicaid expansion and kicked 18 million people off their health care.

* In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, by opposing the American Rescue Plan, GOP candidates in North Carolina's senate race opposed ensuring that Medicaid covers the cost of COVID-19 vaccination, prevention and treatment efforts and against increased funding for home and community-based services that help seniors receive quality care in their community rather than in nursing homes.