Medicaid / CHIP

Who qualifies for NC Medicaid?

Depending on your income and family size, you or your family members may qualify for government-supplied healthcare, such as Medicaid. If you qualify for Medicaid, there is no limited enrollment period, meaning you can enroll at any time. Once you have Medicaid, you are considered covered and do not have to purchase healthcare through the Marketplace. 

In North Carolina, Medicaid expansion launched Dec. 1, 2023, meaning more people with higher incomes are now eligible!

While final eligibility is still determined by your local Department of Social Services office, health insurance navigators can assist with an online ePass application to help with the eligibility process.


Medicaid expansion is here!

North Carolina has expanded health care coverage to more people. You might be one of them!

As of Dec. 1, 2023, NC Medicaid covers people ages 19 through 64 years with higher incomes. You may be able to get health care coverage through Medicaid even if you didn’t qualify before. Medicaid pays for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, mental health and more – at little or no cost to you.

Most people will be able to get health care coverage through NC Medicaid if:

  • You live in North Carolina
  • You are 19-64 years old
  • You are a citizen. (Some non-US citizens can also get health care coverage through Medicaid.)
  • And if your household income falls within this chart:

If someone is pregnant, they may be eligible for other Medicaid programs to get full health benefits. And if you were eligible before, you still are. Nothing changes for you.

NC Medicaid covers most health services. It includes doctor visits, checkups, emergency care, hospital services, maternity and postpartum care, vision and hearing services, prescription drugs, behavioral health, preventative and wellness services, devices, and more. There’s no monthly fee and copays are never more than $4. Learn more on the NCDHHS website.

Click here to GET HELP from the NC Navigator Consortium