The North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics is expecting an increase in patients as individuals lose Medicaid benefits after the unwinding of pandemic rules.
In June, 35,000 lost their benefits in North Carolina after the COVID-19 continuous enrollment guarantee ended, according to a July 21 news release.
The Department of Health and Human Services initially expected 300,000 North Carolina residents could have their benefits terminated or reduced, but now experts predict the figure to be even higher.
The North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics provides no-cost and low-cost services including dental care to state residents.
The association has 70 member clinics serving more than 80,000 residents, the release said.