A new bill filed by State Sen. Barnes in the North Carolina Senate seeks to ensure fair reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgical centers under Medicaid, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 737 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Medicaid Rates/Ambulatory Surgical Centers.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill mandates the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to amend the Medicaid State Plan to ensure that ambulatory surgical centers are reimbursed at least 95% of the Medicare Ambulatory Surgical Centers fee schedule, effective from Jan. 1 each year. The adjustments will take effect upon CMS approval of the State Plan amendment. The bill allocates $6.9 million in recurring state funds annually for the 2025-27 fiscal biennium, which will match $12.6 million in federal funds each year to support this implementation. The act becomes effective July 1, 2025.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Kevin Corbin proposed the most bills (29) during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Barnes graduated from Peace College with an AA and again in 1988 from North Carolina State University with a BA.
Barnes, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 11th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Rick Horner.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisa S. Barnes, Gale Adcock, and Kevin Corbin | SB 737 | 03/25/2025 | Medicaid Rates/Ambulatory Surgical Centers. |
| Lisa S. Barnes, Buck Newton, and Norman W. Sanderson | SB 478 | 03/25/2025 | Enhancing Ag. Opportunities in Rural NC. |
| Lisa S. Barnes and Buck Newton | SB 554 | 03/25/2025 | Farmers Protection Act. |
| Lisa S. Barnes, Brent Jackson, and Norman W. Sanderson | SB 639 | 03/25/2025 | North Carolina Farm Act of 2025. |
| Lisa S. Barnes, Michael A. Lazzara, and Todd Johnson | SB 368 | 03/20/2025 | Office of State Fire Marshal Omnibus Bill.-AB |
| Lisa S. Barnes and Michael A. Lazzara | SB 374 | 03/20/2025 | Licensing Certain Fire Safety Equip. Work. |
| Lisa S. Barnes, Amy S. Galey, and Brad Overcash | SB 375 | 03/20/2025 | Harrison’s Law. |
| Lisa S. Barnes, Paul Newton, and Phil Berger | SB 261 | 03/10/2025 | Energy Security and Affordability Act. |
| Lisa S. Barnes, Michael A. Lazzara, and Todd Johnson | SB 226 | 03/03/2025 | Align Benefits for Firefighters with Cancer. |
| Lisa S. Barnes, Jim Burgin, and Michael V. Lee | SB 55 | 02/05/2025 | Student Use of Wireless Communication Devices. |
| Lisa S. Barnes, Benton G. Sawrey, and Buck Newton | SB 61 | 02/05/2025 | I-95 Toll Prohibition. |
| Lisa S. Barnes | SB 32 | 01/30/2025 | 11th Senatorial District Local Act-1. |
