Beginning December 1, 2023, more North Carolinians will be able to get health coverage through NC Medicaid!
North Carolina Medicaid expansion is a landmark initiative that represents the most substantial investment in the state’s health in decades. North Carolina’s Medicaid expansion marks a significant turning point in healthcare access for the state, increasing access to health care for more than 600,000 residents. Medicaid expansion will increase the North Carolina Medicaid eligible population to include all adults aged 19-64 with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. This includes:
- Single adults 19-64 earning approximately $20,000 annually.
- Low-income parents can now qualify with an annual income of approximately $34,000 for a family of three. (Previously, the cutoff for parents was significantly lower, at around $8,000 per year).
Quick Facts about North Carolina’s Medicaid Expansion
- NC Medicaid now covers people ages 19-64 years with higher incomes. Even if you were previously ineligible, you may now qualify!
- The application process is flexible, with online applications through ePASS being the best way to apply. In-person, phone, and mailed applications are also accepted, with a processing time of up to 45 days. Online application submissions may experience quicker processing.
- The comprehensive coverage will encompass various services, such as primary care, hospital stays, maternity care, vision and hearing services, and more.
- Medicaid pays for doctor visits, annual check-ups, emergency care, mental health services, and more at minimal or no cost to beneficiaries.
- Current Medicaid beneficiaries with full coverage will not experience any changes.
How to Apply for Medicaid
Submitting an online application through ePASS is the best way to apply. If you can’t apply online, you can:
- Mail in a paper application: ncgov.servicenowservices.com
- Apply in person at your local DSS office: ncdhhs.gov/localDSS
- Call your local DSS office: ncdhhs.gov/localDSS
View this ePass Video for an overview of how to apply online through ePass.
Do you currently receive limited benefits through Family Planning Medicaid?
Approximately 300,000 people who receive limited benefits through Family Planning Medicaid and meet the new eligibility rules will automatically receive full Medicaid coverage. Family Planning Medicaid provides reproductive health care at no cost to people with incomes up to 195% of the federal poverty line – that’s about $2,370 a month for a single person. It covers almost all methods of birth control, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, preventive services, and more.
The expansion of Medicaid is a monumental achievement, poised to enhance the health and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of individuals, while also benefiting healthcare providers and the state’s economy. To learn more, visit Medicaid.ncdhhs.gov.