As of late 2023, Medicaid expansion was recently passed in the NC Legislature.  As the changes are being made, the LCHD continues to serve all residents, including those without insurance as uninsured rates have started to rise once again (HNC 2030, pg.84).  In the Community Health Assessment, 40% of respondents say that they still have challenges getting health care in the county (pg. 109).  Additionally, the largest barrier reported in receiving health care services is lack of insurance (CHA, pg. 111) and Lee County is considered in its entirety as a Health Provider Shortage Area (HSPA) by the federal Health Resources & Services Administration (https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/hpsa-find).