Small business owner pushes for expanded Medicaid

GARNER, N.C. — Cassandra Brooks really believed this was the year North Carolina would expand Medicaid.

What You Need to Know

Cassandra Brooks is a small business owner and advocate for expanded Medicaid

One of her employees, who could not afford health care, died from a preexisting condition

Expanded Medicaid was not in this year’s state budget

She’s the executive director of Little Believer’s Academy.

Providing health care for her employees has been a financial struggle as a small business owner.

“Especially in childcare, because most childcare teachers have lower wages,” Brooks said. “I tried to offer it in the past and they couldn’t afford it, and so, you know, it’s been very difficult.”

This year’s state budget did not include Medicaid expansion, even though it was one of Governor Roy Cooper’s top priorities. 

Instead, the budget created a committee to study the cost and impact of expanded coverage in the state.

Brooks…

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