Jane Dotson
Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income individuals and families who cannot afford healthcare costs. North Carolina Medicaid expansion took effect on December 1, 2023, and 450,000 people had enrolled by May 2024. The expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina was a highly debated topic, with the bill facing opposition primarily due to the introduction of private, for-profit health insurance carriers. Medicaid now provides healthcare coverage to more people, including those aged 19-64, with higher incomes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicaid Expansion in North Carolina | Took effect on December 1, 2023 |
| Number of people enrolled by May 2024 | 450,000 |
| Eligibility | People with low incomes who are aged, blind, or disabled (receiving SSI benefits) |
| Children aged 0-5: 215% of the federal poverty level (FPL) | |
| People aged 19-64 with higher incomes | |
| Household income below 138% of the federal poverty level ($20,000 for a single adult or $34,000 for a family of three) | |
| US citizens or those with eligible immigration status | |
| Live in North Carolina | |
| Have a Social Security number | |
| Application Process | Apply online at ePass, a website run by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services |
| Apply in person at the County Department of Social Services office in your home county | |
| Print the paper application, complete it, and mail it to your county's Department of Social Services office | |
| Apply online through HealthCare.gov or call them at 1-800-318-2596 (for those under 65 and without Medicare) | |
| Medicaid enrollment is available year-round | |
| Benefits | Doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, mental health services, and more |
| Medical expenses including doctor bills, hospital bills, prescriptions, vision care, dental care, Medicare premiums, nursing home care, personal care services, medical equipment, and other home health services |
Explore related products
$20.75
What You'll Learn
Medicaid expansion in North Carolina
The expansion has significantly increased access to healthcare for North Carolinians, with over 600,000 people enrolling in the first year, twice as many as initially projected. This includes people aged 19-64 who may not have been eligible before, as well as adults without children. The expansion also specifically targets those with low incomes who are aged, blind, or disabled and receiving SSI benefits.
To apply for Medicaid in North Carolina, individuals can apply online at ePass, a website run by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, or in person at their County Department of Social Services office. They can also print and mail the application or apply over the phone. Additionally, individuals can apply for NC Medicaid directly with the state or through HealthCare.gov, which offers Marketplace plans.
Diabetics and Medical Insurance: Is Coverage Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Applying for Medicaid
Medicaid in North Carolina provides health care coverage for people with lower incomes. The state's Medicaid system expanded in December 2023 to include more people, including those aged 19-64.
To apply for Medicaid in North Carolina, you can either apply online at ePass, a website run by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (this is the recommended application option), or you can apply in person at the County Department of Social Services office in your home county.
If you choose to apply online, you can do so through ePass or HealthCare.gov, or you can call 1-800-318-2596 to apply over the phone. If you are under 65 and don't have Medicare, you must use the phone application option.
If you choose to apply in person, you can find your local DSS office by using this directory or calling the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 1-888-245-0179 (TTY Relay Services: Call 711). You can also apply by printing the paper application, completing it, and mailing it to your county's DSS office. The DHHS provides a list of documents that you'll need to take with you if you go to a county office to apply for Medicaid.
You can also make a free appointment with an NC Navigator or call 1-855-733-3711 to get help with your application or explore health insurance options. Language services are available at DSS offices, and you can ask the operator for an interpreter.
The best way to find out if you are eligible for Medicaid is to apply. However, to be eligible for Medicaid in North Carolina, you must be a U.S. citizen or have an eligible immigration status, live in North Carolina, and have a Social Security number or show that you have applied for one. Families that include non-U.S. citizens can apply, and applying will not affect your immigration status or chances of becoming a permanent resident or citizen.
Medicaid enrollment is available year-round, and it can take up to 45 days for the Department of Social Services to decide if you qualify. You will receive a letter in the mail if you are approved or denied.
The High Cost of Medical Insurance: Why So Expensive?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Medicaid eligibility
Medicaid in North Carolina provides healthcare coverage for people with lower incomes, including those who are aged, blind, or disabled and receiving SSI benefits. The state's Medicaid system now covers more people, including those aged 19-64.
To be eligible for Medicaid in North Carolina, you must be a US citizen or have an eligible immigration status, live in North Carolina, and have a Social Security number or have applied for one. Families that include non-US citizens can apply, and you can apply for your child even if you are not eligible for coverage. Applying will not affect your immigration status or chances of becoming a permanent resident or citizen.
There are income limits to be eligible for Medicaid, which vary depending on family size. The income limits include a built-in 5% income disregard used with MAGI-based Medicaid eligibility determinations. For example, children aged 0-5 must be from families with an income of 215% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
The best way to find out if you are eligible for Medicaid is to apply. You can apply online at ePass, a website run by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You can also apply in person at the County Department of Social Services office in your home county. DHHS provides a list of documents that you need to take with you if you apply in person. You can also print the paper application and mail it to your county's Department of Social Services office. You can apply online through HealthCare.gov or over the phone (if you're under 65 and don't have Medicare). Enrollment is available all year round.
If you have questions about Medicaid eligibility, you can call your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 1-888-245-0179 (TTY Relay Services: Call 711). Help is available in other languages. You can also connect with a health insurance expert at the NC Navigator Consortium, which provides free advice about health insurance and can help you apply.
Blue Cross Blue Shield: Understanding Horizon's Medicaid Offerings
You may want to see also
Medicaid and private insurance
In North Carolina, Medicaid is transitioning to a managed care model, with the state expanding healthcare coverage to more people. This includes those aged 19-64, children over the age of 21, and families that include non-US citizens. The expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina was a highly debated topic, with a focus on the introduction of private, for-profit health insurance carriers to the NC Medicaid system.
The NC Medicaid Ombudsman service helps beneficiaries understand their rights and responsibilities, as well as providing support when issues arise with providers or health plans. The NC Navigator Consortium also provides free advice about health insurance and can assist with applications.
Medicaid beneficiaries in North Carolina can now access the Direct File tool, which offers a simple and secure way to file federal and state taxes for free. This is available in English and Spanish, with live chat assistance.
North Carolina's Medicaid expansion has resulted in increased healthcare coverage for its residents, and the state now offers a range of options for those seeking healthcare coverage, including private insurance and Medicaid. The eligibility criteria for Medicaid in North Carolina include US citizenship or eligible immigration status, residence in North Carolina, and meeting certain income limits.
It is important to note that having private insurance does not disqualify an individual from also having Medicaid coverage. The two can sometimes work together to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage, as in the case of Medicare beneficiaries who receive assistance through Medicaid for certain expenses.
Get Medical Insurance in Washington State: A Guide
You may want to see also
Medicaid and Medicare
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to individuals and families with low incomes and resources. The eligibility requirements and benefits offered by Medicaid vary from state to state. In North Carolina, Medicaid expansion took effect on December 1, 2023, and as of May 2024, 450,000 people had enrolled. The state now provides health care coverage to people aged 19-64, including those who were not eligible before. To apply for Medicaid in North Carolina, individuals can apply online at ePass, a website run by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, or in person at the County Department of Social Services office in their home county.
Medicare, on the other hand, is a federal insurance program available to individuals aged 65 or older, younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicare is generally available to individuals regardless of their income or health status. Medicare Part A covers hospital insurance, while Medicare Part B covers medical services like doctors' services and outpatient care. Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage to all Medicare enrollees.
Individuals who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are considered "dually eligible." In these cases, Medicare pays first for Medicare-covered services, and Medicaid pays last, covering any remaining costs. Medicaid may also cover some drugs that Medicare does not. Additionally, Medicaid offers benefits that Medicare does not typically cover, such as nursing home care and personal care services.
While North Carolina's Medicaid expansion has increased access to health coverage for many residents, it is important to note that the expansion was a contentious issue, with concerns raised about the introduction of private, for-profit health insurance carriers and potential increases in administrative costs.
Insuring Pets with Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Is it Possible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can have both private insurance and Medicaid in North Carolina. However, Medicaid may only cover costs that your insurance does not.
You can apply online at ePass, a website run by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. You can also apply in person at the County Department of Social Services office in your home county.
Medicaid covers doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, mental health services, prescriptions, vision and dental care, nursing home care, and personal care services.
To be eligible for Medicaid, your household income must be below 138% of the federal poverty level. This is about $20,000 for a single adult or $34,000 for a family of three.
Yes, some non-US citizens can get health care coverage through Medicaid.
