Health care Coverage

Intense lobbying, broad support, no votes: NC nursing bill in limbo

Once part of North Carolina's Medicaid expansion debate, the SAVE Act has lost steam. Nurses say doctors want to protect fees that current laws let them charge specialized nurses. Doctors say it's about patient safety.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Companies, families, seek funding boost for hard-to-fill home health care jobs

People caring for disabled family members depend on a heavily subsidized industry that often pays less than $15 an hour for help.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Women struggle to get potentially cancer-causing breast implants removed, four years after recall

Since manufacturer Allergan recalled textured implants in 2019 due to a link to cancer, thousands of women with the implants have been grappling with what to do.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Reporter

Sick? Take the snot test. Mucus, cough and fever reveal how to treat a cold

If the mucus is dark green or dark yellow, the infection has worsened. You may need to visit the doctor.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Historic Medicaid expansion deal expected to move forward this week

In less than 24 hours, a historic deal to expand access to affordable health care in our state is likely to take the first step forward. State lawmakers are set to take their first vote on expanding Medicaid.

How NC's multibillion-dollar Medicaid deal was reached -- and who it benefits

Rural North Carolina stands to benefit most from Medicaid expansion, and many rural lawmakers and health care leaders were the ones negotiating the final deal. Why one hospital executive calls it "an immediate shot in the arm."

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

In Depth with Dan: Explaining NC's Medicaid expansion deal

WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty explains why North Carolina lawmakers finally approved Medicaid expansion after a decade of debate.

The Wrap: After all these years, Medicaid expansion moving

The week in North Carolina politics from WRAL's NC Capitol team

Deal reached to expand Medicaid in North Carolina

The expansion of Medicaid is expected to bring health care coverage to nearly 500,000 people across North Carolina.

NC doctors, residents celebrate announcement of Medicaid expansion

The expansion of Medicaid is expected to bring health care coverage to nearly 500,000 people across North Carolina.

Keenan Willard, WRAL eastern North Carolina reporter

Top Republican lawmakers reach deal on North Carolina Medicaid expansion

The announcement is the latest step toward expanding health care to the state's working poor.

In their words: NC leaders react to Medicaid expansion deal

Health care leaders, policy groups and politicians had strong words to share about the deal to make North Carolina to the 40th state to expand Medicaid.

WRAL staff

Top Republican lawmakers reach deal on NC Medicaid expansion

The announcement is the latest step toward expanding health care to the state's working poor.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Amazon exec to keynote health care disruption conference at Duke University

An Amazon executive will keynote an event held at Duke in March, focused on how non-traditional health care companies are changing the landscape.

WakeMed proposes new hospital with focus on mental health

WakeMed has gotten the 'green light' from the state to move forward with building two new hospitals. One of those hospitals will cater to behavioral and mental health services, which officials say is a large need in Wake County.

Couple accused of misusing over $1 million from trust for health, welfare of their child

Brittany and Judah James, face child abuse and neglect charges, alleged to have spent money designated for their daughter's care for real estate, vehicles.

Cullen Browder, WRAL anchor/reporter

Medicaid expansion bill, filed in NC House, kicks off 2023 health care debate

NC House Republicans filed a bill to expand Medicaid, a cause Democrats have pushed for for years. But the NC Senate may have different ideas, after similar health care negotiations stalled in 2022.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Duke Health steps up security amid rise in hospital violence nationwide

The health care system is adding a weapons detection system at Duke Regional, Duke University and Duke Raleigh hospitals.

Duke Health makes safety changes to curb rise in violence at hospitals

The health care system is adding a weapons detection system at Duke Regional, Duke University and Duke Raleigh hospitals.

Brett Knese, WRAL multimedia journalist

NC committee passes bill to restrict teaching on gender, sexuality

A key state Senate committee passed a bill Wednesday that would limit the discussion of gender and sexuality in elementary schools.

Transgender NC employees argue state health plan denies them necessary care

A lawsuit by former state employees and their children said they were denied coverage under the North Carolina State Health Plan.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

Fourth Circuit hears appeal on transgender health care violation

A lawsuit by former state employees and their children said they were denied coverage under the North Carolina State Health Plan.

Changes possible for NC employees' health plan

Changes may be coming in the next few years for state employees on the State Health Plan. For the first time in decades, a multi-billion-dollar contract to manage the plan is changing hands.

Concerns grow about health insurance changes coming for state employees

State employees will have to wait a little while to learn how a big state contract change will impact their health plans. The change doesn't take effect until 2025.

Walmart Wellness Day on Saturday, Jan. 14: Free glucose, cholesterol, BMI & blood pressure screening

Walmart is hosting a Wellness Day on Saturday, Jan. 14 with free glucose, cholesterol, BMI and blood pressure screenings at pharmacies nationwide.