Spotlight On: Steve Lawler, President & CEO, North Carolina Healthcare Association
May 2024 —In an interview with Invest:, Steve Lawler, president and CEO of the North Carolina Healthcare Association discussed what Medicaid expansion means for the people of North Carolina as well as how his organization was a key part of seeing this come to fruition. “One of our key achievements is Medicaid expansion, which will provide healthcare coverage to 600,000 residents who previously lacked coverage. This expansion not only benefits those individuals but also positively impacts the entire state,” he said.
What have been the most significant achievements for the organization over the last 12 months?
Over the past six months, the healthcare sector in North Carolina has seen considerable activity. One of our key achievements is Medicaid expansion, which will provide healthcare coverage to 600,000 residents who previously lacked it. This expansion not only benefits those individuals but also positively impacts the entire state. Businesses and industries that were indirectly supporting healthcare costs for the uninsured will now benefit from these individuals having insurance.
Additionally, we secured extra funding for hospitals. This not only strengthens our state’s safety net but also enables hospitals and health systems to invest in community-specific programs and services, attracting more business. Part of this investment is directed toward addressing the behavioral health crisis in North Carolina. Hospitals, particularly in the Triangle area, have committed substantial funds toward this cause.
Another highlight is North Carolina’s recent ranking by The Leapfrog Group. We’ve moved up to number three in the nation for quality and patient safety, improving from sixth place last year. This achievement reflects the commitment of our hospitals and health systems, especially in the Triangle, to provide top-notch care.
Furthermore, we’ve obtained additional funding to support hospitals struggling due to the pandemic and economic downturns. Overall, the healthcare field, particularly in the Triangle, is in a robust state, making significant strides in improving access to care and ensuring high-quality and safe treatment for all.
How has the recent expansion of Medicaid affected your organization’s advocacy strategy and priorities?
The Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, funded solely by hospitals and health systems without taxpayer dollars, has significantly influenced our approach. Starting in December, more people will have insurance, allowing earlier access to healthcare and preventive services. This early intervention is crucial for managing chronic conditions and preventing serious illness, benefitting both individuals and families.
For hospitals, this means better utilization of resources and technology, as patients can receive appropriate care at the right time. This shift is not only beneficial for the patients but also for the efficiency of healthcare services.
Additionally, the expansion has prompted hospitals to explore new and innovative ways to create access points for healthcare, including virtual platforms and other community-based services. This is particularly important for those newly insured under Medicaid.
Lastly, this change has fostered unique partnerships. Hospitals and health systems are collaborating with various community organizations, including faith-based groups, to effectively implement this expansion. These partnerships, which might not have been considered traditionally, are proving to be valuable in enhancing healthcare delivery.
How do you see ongoing economic pressures affecting the healthcare industry?
The recent funding support and Medicaid expansion in North Carolina are crucial in alleviating financial pressures, especially for small hospitals. This support helps draw federal dollars to bolster hospital services. We recently faced a hospital closure in Martin County, highlighting the need for such support.
The healthcare workforce is a primary focus, with around 267,000 people employed in hospitals and health systems in North Carolina, particularly in the Triangle area. A significant challenge is recruiting more people into healthcare careers. We’re collaborating with educational institutions, from community colleges to universities, to increase the healthcare workforce.
Recruitment is vital for our growth strategy, aiming to expand from 150,000 to potentially 200,000 healthcare workers in the Triangle. Our workforce contributes significantly to the local economy, with over $9.5 billion in salaries. Hospitals and health systems are among the top employers in the region.
Our approach centers on creating a fulfilling work environment, attracting and retaining the best talent, and emphasizing the service aspect of healthcare careers. Healthcare is fundamentally about people caring for people, making workforce development our primary focus.
We’re also working with the General Assembly to ensure adequate funding for academic programs. Addressing workplace safety, including the rise in workplace violence, is another priority. Sharing best practices and approaches is crucial to ensure healthcare environments are safe for employees, patients, and their families.
Collaboration is key in finding efficient, cost-effective healthcare solutions. This includes collective efforts to reduce expenses on drugs and supplies. Ultimately, our focus is on people, both in providing care to patients and families and supporting our workforce.
How has the current landscape impacted the association’s approach to education and events?
The North Carolina healthcare industry, akin to a close-knit community, benefits from our association’s collaboration with 50 state-wide organizations, sharing best practices and adapting them to local needs with cultural sensitivity.
We boast some of the nation’s top teaching hospitals, pioneers in research and innovation, like pandemic vaccine development. Our association acts as a hub for disseminating these advancements across the healthcare community.
While competition exists in patient care, there’s a shared commitment to safety and affordability. We facilitate this by hosting educational events with national experts, helping members integrate new concepts into their practices.
Our efforts extend to Washington, D.C., advocating for policy changes to reduce administrative burdens. We aim to redirect healthcare professionals’ focus from paperwork to patient care, working with officials to remove redundant requirements and prioritize patient and family needs.
What progress has been made in supporting rural healthcare?
Leading the North Carolina Healthcare Association, especially with my experience running a rural hospital in Bertie County, has been a privilege. Significant legislative changes like Medicaid expansion and the HASP program have greatly benefited rural hospitals, aiding in their transition from financial instability to stability.
To address the challenge of workforce recruitment in rural areas, our focus is on early education and career pathways, particularly for young people of color, to encourage them to stay and work in their communities. Enhancing loan forgiveness and scholarship programs is a key strategy to attract young professionals to rural healthcare.
We also collaborate with educational institutions to provide training in rural areas for nurses and physicians, encouraging them to start their careers in these communities. Our overall goal is to improve payment structures and support rural communities through education, incentives, and appropriate policies.
What are the most promising areas for growth and expansion in North Carolina?
The North Carolina healthcare industry is poised for meaningful growth, with a focus on innovative care methods and expanding services to underserved areas. Workforce development is crucial, encompassing roles for direct caregivers and support staff. As the state grows in attractiveness for living and working, a robust healthcare system remains a priority.
We aim to lead in quality and safety of care, with a goal to advance from our current third-place national ranking to the top. A major area of focus is affordability, particularly for those with chronic conditions, to improve health outcomes and reduce overall costs.
Medicaid expansion is key in enabling access to preventive care, including screenings and immunizations, which contributes to our goal of providing quality care and reducing healthcare expenses. These areas represent our main focus for the future of healthcare in North Carolina.
For more information, visit:
