As Governor-elect Josh Stein’s administration prepares to take office, North Carolina Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Kody Kinsley reflects on his tenure leading the state’s health department. With his final day set for January 11, 2025, Kinsley’s time in office has been marked by significant strides in healthcare reform, mental health services, and Medicaid expansion.
A Brevard College graduate, Kinsley spent four years as DHHS undersecretary before being appointed secretary in 2022. Under his leadership, simplifying healthcare systems and expanding access to services became central objectives.
Healthcare Accessibility a Priority
One of Kinsley’s core goals has been making healthcare more accessible and easier for North Carolinians to navigate. Reflecting on his time with DHHS, Kinsley acknowledged the challenges posed by natural disasters like Hurricane Helene but emphasized the progress his department has made in providing care.
“We’ve got to make it better, we’ve got to make it easier for people to navigate,” Kinsley said in an interview with News 13.
Kinsley noted that while the recovery from the hurricane was a “long-haul investment,” his team has been on the ground, deploying hundreds of trauma counselors to support Western North Carolina residents affected by the storm.
Investment in Behavioral Health
Mental health care has been another top priority for Kinsley. On December 18, 2023, UNC Health Pardee announced plans to invest $30 million to create a 33-bed inpatient adolescent behavioral health facility, set to open in 2026. This project is part of a broader $800 million mental health investment initiative Kinsley helped push forward.
“These are the kids that often get stuck in emergency departments with nowhere to go or in DSS offices, and they need really intensive care,” Kinsley said. “Now, UNC Health Pardee is going to start to provide that care because of this investment.”
Medicaid Expansion: A Milestone Achievement
Under Kinsley’s leadership, North Carolina became the 40th state to pass Medicaid expansion, a significant victory for the state’s healthcare system. Kinsley referred to the expansion as a “dream come true,” crediting Governor Roy Cooper’s persistent advocacy for the win. Since the program’s launch, over 611,000 North Carolinians have gained access to comprehensive healthcare.
“This wouldn’t have happened without Gov. Cooper being as relentless as he was,” Kinsley said. “Today, over 611,000 people are enrolled in comprehensive healthcare.”
Additionally, Kinsley highlighted the success of a pilot program that uses Medicaid dollars to cover non-medical needs like food, housing, and transportation. These supports, which go beyond traditional health insurance, have proven effective in improving health outcomes and reducing emergency department visits.
“By doing it, we found people showed up to the ED less, they were healthier, and even after we paid for food and transportation, we saved money,” Kinsley explained. “We actually spent less money on them overall because we didn’t have to pay for all the emergent health care. We saved $85 per person, per month.”
Reducing Medical Debt
Another significant achievement during Kinsley’s tenure was the reduction of medical debt for North Carolinians. Through a partnership with hospitals, the state will forgive $4 billion in medical debt for nearly two million people, dating back to 2014. This initiative will also raise the threshold for eligibility in charity care and enrollment programs.
“When you don’t have that debt getting in the way, we’re changing the relationship with the healthcare system from one of collections to one of real care,” Kinsley said.
Bipartisan Collaboration and Future Commitments
Kinsley attributed much of the success in his tenure to bipartisan collaboration within the state government. As he prepares to step down, he remains committed to continuing his work to make a positive impact on North Carolina’s healthcare system.
With his last day in office fast approaching, Kinsley said he remains focused on ensuring the state’s healthcare systems are in a better position for future generations. “I’m committed to making a difference in North Carolina,” he said.
As North Carolina moves into the next phase of leadership, Kinsley’s legacy will be defined by the progress made in health care access, mental health services, and Medicaid expansion—achievements that have impacted hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians.
Kinsley’s final day as Health and Human Services Secretary is set for January 11, 2025.
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