Two important things are happening in North Carolina with Medicaid.
- More people may be able to get health coverage through NC Medicaid than ever before.
- People who have NC Medicaid need to take action to keep their coverage for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
By staying informed and taking the necessary steps outlined below, you can navigate the transition smoothly and continue to access the health care you deserve.
Read on to find out what you need to do to get new or keep your current NC Medicaid coverage.
Take Action: Enroll in New NC Medicaid Health Coverage
North Carolinians may be able to get health care insurance through Medicaid even if they didn’t qualify before. (If you were already eligible for Medicaid, you are still eligible for coverage.)
Enrolling in NC Medicaid coverage helps you get the health care you need. This includes regular checkups, sick visits, hospital visits, behavioral health support, vision and hearing, pregnancy care, prescriptions and more – at little or no cost to beneficiaries.
- Do a quick check to see if you might qualify. Most people are able to get health care coverage through NC Medicaid if they meet the following criteria:
- Live in North Carolina
- Are between the ages of 19-64
- Are a citizen. (Some non-US citizens can get health care coverage through Medicaid.)
- Have a household income that is below 138% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $20,000 for a single adult or about $34,000 for a family of three.
- Apply online at NC.gov, submit a paper application, or apply in person at your local Department of Social Services (DSS).
- Provide all the information requested. (If the application is incomplete, it may take longer to process.)
- Reply to requests for more information. You may be contacted by mail, phone, or email if more information is needed.
- Sign up for an enhanced ePASS account to keep your information updated without having to contact the local DSS office.
- Keep all contact information up to date in ePASS, including your current mailing address, to receive all important information about Medicaid benefits.
- Be patient. It can take up to 45 days to process your application, and incomplete applications may take longer.
Take Action: Keep Your NC Medicaid Plan
For the past few years, NC Medicaid members were automatically renewed. That has changed. You now need to take action in order to retain your Medicaid plan.
Follow these steps to keep your coverage.
- Check your mail closely. If you don’t receive or open letters or documents from the State of North Carolina regarding Medicaid, you may miss the opportunity to take action.
- Complete the NC Medicaid renewal form within the renewal month (if you receive one) to ensure you don’t have a gap in coverage.
- To help the process go faster, follow these steps:
- Visit NC.gov to apply.
- Provide all the information requested. (If the application is incomplete, it may take longer to process.)
- You may be contacted by mail, phone, or email if more information is needed.
- Sign up for an enhanced ePASS account to keep your information updated without having to contact the local DSS office.
- Keep all contact information, such as your current address, up to date in ePASS to receive all important information about Medicaid benefits.
Additional Information
Atrium Health doctors and hospitals in the Charlotte Metro Area are in all NC Medicaid health insurance plans. Learn more at AtriumHealth.org/Medicaid.
If you are no longer eligible to receive Medicaid benefits, you can enroll in a health plan through the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace®. Atrium Health is proud to work with some of the most affordable Health Insurance Marketplace plans to provide quality coverage with access to a level of care you won’t find anywhere else. Learn more at AtriumHealth.org/Marketplace.
For more information about NC Medicaid, visit AtriumHealth.org/Medicaid.
