McCrory signs Medicaid, 3 other bills

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

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inside politics

And Associated Press

RALEIGH -- Gov. Pat McCrory has signed four bills into law, including a measure that prevents North Carolina for now from participating in parts of the federal health care overhaul.

McCrory's office said the governor signed the legislation late Wednesday afternoon in the old Capitol building in Raleigh.

One new law blocks the state from expanding Medicaid to cover more lower-income people and from operating an online health care marketplace. The federal government will run the exchange instead.

"In my first eight weeks as governor I've had to make some difficult decisions," said McCrory in a statement. "My team conducted a thorough review of the Affordable Care Act and its impact on North Carolina. Before considering Medicaid expansion, we must reform the current system to make sure people currently enrolled receive the services they need and more taxpayer dollars are not put at risk."

Another law ensures group homes and Alzheimer's care units can access state funds to deal with Medicaid coverage changes. There's also legislation that will allow a live possum drop to continue on New Year's Eve in Brasstown. Another increases penalties for protests at funerals.

The press wasn't invited to attend the signings.