Health and Human Services launches initiative to highlight ND Medicaid’s life-changing impact on North Dakotans

BISMARCK, N.D. – Today, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) together with partner organizations, launched Faces of Medicaid, an initiative to raise awareness about the life-changing impacts North Dakota (ND) Medicaid has on people who qualify for the program.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation, the Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas and the North Dakota Hospital Association provided funding for the Faces of Medicaid initiative, which features four individuals who share their experiences and personal stories about how ND Medicaid has made a difference in their lives.

Faces of Medicaid includes four 30-second testimonial videos and a seven-page publication. These resources can be viewed online at hhs. nd.gov/FacesOfMedicaid.

“ND Medicaid is much more than an insurance program that pays health care claims. As we collectively work to make North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation, ND Medicaid serves to reinforce economic, behavioral and physical health - the foundations of well-being,” said HHS Commissioner Chris Jones. “ND Medicaid brings valuable peace of mind to our members, so they are able to redirect their resources and energy to other critical, basic needs for themselves and their families.”

Partners began initial discussions last year to create this initiative to bring a better understanding about the broad range of people ND Medicaid serves.

“ND Medicaid provides health coverage for people including lowincome adults, children, pregnant women, older adults and people with disabilities,” said Interim Medical Services Division Director Krista Fremming. “Chances are every North Dakotan knows someone covered by ND Medicaid whether that is a friend, family member, neighbor or coworker.”

Jones said he is grateful to Medicaid members who shared their stories for the Faces of Medicaid initiative.

“We couldn’t have done it without them,” he said.

The ND Medicaid program is funded jointly between states and the federal government. States administer the program based on federal requirements.

Currently, about 130,000 North Dakotas qualify for health coverage through ND’s Medicaid programs.

To learn more about ND Medicaid, visit hhs. nd.gov/human-services/ medicaid.