NC Medicaid
Last updated August 2026
NC Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for children, pregnant people, parents, older adults, people with disabilities, and, since December 2023, low-income adults. Adults 19 to 64 can now qualify with household income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level: roughly $1,800 a month for a single adult, about $3,065 for a family of three. Apply at epass.nc.gov, at HealthCare.gov, or at your county Department of Social Services. For help by phone, the NC Medicaid Contact Center is 1-888-245-0179, weekdays 8 to 5.
Medicaid expansion is the change worth knowing about. Before December 2023, a single adult without children usually could not get Medicaid in North Carolina no matter how little they earned. Now that same adult can, so if you were turned down years ago, the answer today may be different. When you are not sure, the state's own advice is to apply anyway.
The price is close to zero. Expansion coverage has no monthly premium, and copays are capped at $4. Coverage includes doctor visits, emergency care, dental, vision and hearing, prescriptions, maternity care, hospital stays, and behavioral health. Most members get their care through a health plan under NC Medicaid Managed Care.
Set honest expectations on timing. It can take up to 45 days for the county to decide a regular application, and up to 90 days when a disability determination is involved. You get a letter in the mail either way. Keep your address and phone number current so a request for more information does not go to the wrong place.
Free help exists if the form is confusing. The NC Medicaid Contact Center at 1-888-245-0179 answers questions weekdays 8 to 5, and your county DSS can also help you apply.
Round out the household's care. A pregnancy is the moment to apply regardless of a past denial. For food and cash while your coverage processes, let the same ePASS application check you for Food and Nutrition Services and Work First, and 2-1-1 can point you to community health centers that see patients no matter their coverage.
Phone 1-888-245-0179
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Adults 19 to 64 who live in North Carolina, are U.S. citizens or meet immigration rules, and have household income at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level qualify under Medicaid expansion
- Children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities have their own rules; one application checks them all, and a decision can take up to 45 days (90 for disability)
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply at epass.nc.gov, at HealthCare.gov, or at your county DSS.
- 2
Have proof of identity, income, a Social Security number, and North Carolina residency ready.
- 3
Watch your mail and ePASS account for any request for more information.
- 4
If approved, pick or confirm your managed care health plan, keep your contact details current, and complete renewals on time. ePASS handles renewals online too.
What to have ready
- Photo ID or another proof of identity and date of birth
- Proof of North Carolina residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or photo ID with your address
- Proof of income and a Social Security number. A driver's license can cover both name and address.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for NC Medicaid now?
Adults 19 to 64 with household income at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level, roughly $1,800 a month for one person, plus children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities under their own rules. One application checks them all.
How much does it cost?
Expansion coverage has no monthly premium, and copays are capped at $4. Covered care includes doctor visits, dental, vision, prescriptions, maternity, hospital, and behavioral health.
How do I apply for Medicaid in North Carolina?
Apply at epass.nc.gov, at HealthCare.gov, or at your county Department of Social Services. For help, call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 1-888-245-0179, weekdays 8 to 5.
How long does a decision take?
Up to 45 days for a regular application, and up to 90 days if a disability determination is involved. You receive a letter when you are approved or denied.
I was denied Medicaid before 2023. Should I try again?
Yes. Medicaid expanded in December 2023 to cover adults 19 to 64 up to 138 percent of poverty, so an old denial does not settle it. The state suggests applying if you are unsure.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all North Carolina programs →Free · Private · No account needed