Some 600,000 North Carolinians will get quality, affordable health care now – thanks to the tenacity of one man: Governor Roy Cooper.

When Medicaid expansion took effect last week, some headlines called it “bipartisan.”

But Republicans had fought it since Obamacare passed in 2010.

They supported expansion only after seven years of patient, persistent prodding, persuasion and political pressure by Cooper.

It is a historic achievement by a courageous, progressive and forward-looking governor.

The 600,000 people who will benefit equal roughly the combined populations of 33 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, from Alexander (36,512) to Tyrrell (3,365).

Better health care for that many people will have a profound impact on our state for generations to come.

North Carolinians will be healthier, happier and more productive.

They will, as Cooper likes to say, “have more money in their pockets.”

Our friends, family members and fellow citizens will be better able to grow, learn, build, thrive, succeed, and achieve.

Call it Coopercare.