Gov. Josh Stein has appointed Karen L. Smith, MD, FAAFP, NCMS President-Elect, to theNorth Carolina Health Care Affordability Commission. As a longtime family physician in Hoke County, Dr. Smith brings more than three decades of experience caring for patients in a rural community where cost, provider shortages and transportation can create significant barriers to care.
Established through Executive Order 39, the commission brings together physicians, health care leaders, insurers, researchers, employers, patient advocates and lawmakers to examine rising health care costs and identify opportunities to improve affordability and access. Its work includes issues such as primary care access, price transparency, workforce shortages and payment models.
Dr. Smith will serve as one of the commission’s advisory members, providing a rural physician perspective as the group develops recommendations. The commission held its first public meeting July 21, with additional meetings planned before initial recommendations are due Jan. 21, 2027.
