What You Need to Know About Medicaid Expansion

Starting December 1, more North Carolinians will get access to healthcare coverage with Medicaid expansion. NC Medicaid will pay for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, dental care, mental health, and more – all at little or no cost.

This is a great opportunity for people to apply, whether they have applied before and have been denied, have been covered by Medicaid in the past and then dropped, or have never applied before.

Medicaid Expansion at a Glance:

  • Starts on December 1, 2023.
  • Eligibility requirements have higher qualifying income levels than in the past.
  • There is no monthly fee and copays are never more than $4.
  • People already enrolled in Medicaid’s limited Family Planning Program who are eligible will be automatically enrolled in full Medicaid expansion benefits.
  • Coverage includes primary care, hospital services, maternity and postpartum care, vision and hearing services, prescription drug benefits, behavioral health, preventive and wellness services, dental and oral health services, medical-related devices and other therapies.

Eligibility

Most people will get health care coverage through NC Medicaid if they:

  • Live in North Carolina
  • Are ages 19-64.
  • Are a citizen or a qualifying non-citizen:
    • Non-citizens eligible for NC Medicaid must live in North Carolina and be a qualified non-citizen for at least five years. Refugees, asylees, or lawful permanent residents who used to be refugees or asylees are exempt from the five-year wait period.
  • Have a household income that is within the chart below:
Household sizeTotal income, before taxes
Single Adults$1,676/month or less    
($20,120/year)
Family of 2$2,267/month or less     
($27,214/year)
Family of 3$2,859/month or less 
($34,307/year)
Family of 4$3,450/month or less 
($41,400/year)
Each additional personadd $591/month
(add $7,094/year)

How To Apply:

  • The easiest way to apply starting Dec. 1 is online anytime at ePASS.NC.gov – a secure, self-service website that lets you avoid wait times for in-person applications. Completed online applications may also be processed faster.
  • If you cannot apply online, you can:
    • Apply in person at 319 N Graham Hopedale Rd. Burlington, NC 27217.
    • Call (336) 290-0663 or (336) 570-6532 and complete a telephone application.
    • Submit a completed paper application, found here, to 319 N Graham Hopedale Rd. Suite C, Burlington, NC 27217 or by fax to (336) 260-8651.
      • It can take up to 45 days to process your application. Incomplete applications may take longer.

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