MEDICAID CANCELED? Free legal assistance may be available. Click here for information about what you need to do.

If you have a question that is not answered here, please email medexhelp@ncjustice.org. Sign up to receive email updates about Medicaid expansion at bit.ly/MedExUpdates.

Click here to see questions and answers about Medicaid expansion from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

Am I eligible for Medicaid expansion?

You’re eligible for Medicaid expansion if you meet ALL these criteria:

  • Age 19 to 64.
  • Live in North Carolina.
  • U.S. citizen. (Certain immigrants can qualify depending on their visa type, age, and pregnancy.)
  • Household income fits within the chart below.

138% Federal Poverty Level for 2023 

When can I enroll in the Medicaid expansion program?

Enrollment starts December 1, 2023, but you can sign up for Medicaid anytime of the year.

How do I enroll?

Starting December 1, 2023, you can enroll online at epass.nc.gov or healthcare.gov, in person at your local county DSS office, or by mail or phone.

Where can I get help signing up?

Free and unbiased help is available through the NC Navigator Consortium. To schedule an appointment with a health insurance navigator, call 1-855-733-3711 or go to ncnavigator.net/schedule-online. When scheduling an appointment online, you will need to enter your zip code and select your language and meeting preferences (in person, telephone, Zoom).

What health plans are available for Medicaid?

Medicaid recently transitioned to a managed care model and most enrollees must choose the health plan that best works for them. Click here to view health plan options available for you. Each health plan has their own network of providers. If you have a provider you want to continue seeing, click here to see which network they are in.

Many providers accept Medicaid plans. However, you will need to visit the Medicaid managed care provider directory to find out which health plan works with your provider.

Will healthcare visits be free?

Healthcare visits will either be free or low cost.

Will I have to pay a monthly premium to enroll in Medicaid expansion?

No.

What healthcare services does Medicaid cover?

  • Primary care so you can go to a doctor for a check-up or when you are feeling sick
  • Hospital services
  • Prenatal, maternity, and postpartum care if you are pregnant and after giving birth
  • Dental, vision, and hearing services
  • Prescription drug benefits
  • Mental health and substance use disorder treatment
  • Preventative and wellness services
  • Rides to non-emergency medical appointments

I have been enrolled in Medicaid but I don't have my Medicaid card yet. Can I still go see my doctor?

Yes, the provider office should be able to find your Medicaid number and the plan you are enrolled in on NC Tracks.

Do I need to report work hours to enroll in Medicaid coverage?

Not at this time. As of now, CMS and the Biden administration have not allowed work reporting requirements as a condition of Medicaid coverage.