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New fed regulations require expansion in Medicaid eligibility

RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Pat McCrory says new federal regulations could force him to expand Medicaid eligibility to more low-income people.

He says the Affordable Care Act requires him it but the change could result in higher costs.

Under the new law, hospitals can go ahead with certain procedures by assuming patients not enrolled in Medicaid would qualify.

The government would then foot the bill until a final determination is made.