UPDATE: In 2020, the rules and steps related to applying for Medicaid are expected to remain the same.
What is Medicaid in North Carolina, exactly? North Carolina Medicaid covers almost 2 million patients statewide. However, since NC Medicaid did not elect the program expansion, more than 800,000 additional state residents that would be eligible to receive the benefits of the government-sponsored health initiative cannot apply.
However, for those low-income individuals and families able to enroll in North Carolina Medicaid, medical expenses are no longer a major financial concern. Download our in-depth Medicaid guide to see what services are covered, how to apply and more.
Although NC Medicaid is among the state programs that have not expanded coverage as provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there are still many eligible applicants that can collect Medicaid benefits in the state. What is Medicaid’s eligibility criteria? Most states have similar qualifications, including proof of state residency and U.S. citizenship, along with meeting the income limits based on household size.
The NC Medicaid program provides healthcare insurance to anyone who cannot afford private health insurance. Examples of typical Medicaid beneficiaries are pregnant women, children, the elderly, the blind, disabled people and adults who come from poor and low-income backgrounds. However, while some patients are fully covered by Medicaid in North Carolina, others may only receive partial coverage. What this means is that Medicaid costs and coverage vary based on your qualifications.
When you have read up on all of the important Medicaid information, and have confirmed your eligibility, you will then be ready to apply for Medicaid in NC. You can complete your North Carolina Medicaid paperwork in a number of ways. Just be sure to have official identity documents handy to ensure a smooth process.
Medicaid in North Carolina lifts the financial burden of medical costs from low-income patients who cannot otherwise afford health coverage. To review more information on Medicaid eligibility and qualifications, the services and costs covered by Medicaid and the application process, review the sections below.
What Are the Requirements for Medicaid in North Carolina?
What are the requirements for Medicaid? The Medicaid eligibility requirements in North Carolina are not the same as in other states. Benefits eligibility has not fluctuated much to accommodate more applicants, as the state has not accepted the Medicaid expansion. Nonetheless, if you are interested in enrolling, the first step is to review how to qualify for Medicaid. When assessing who is eligible for Medicaid, age, health, income, and resources are taken into account. To better understand the state’s eligibility standards, learn how to qualify for Medicaid with the following information.
How To Apply for Medicaid in North Carolina
Understanding how to apply for Medicaid in North Carolina is the first step toward receiving government-sponsored healthcare benefits. However, prior to starting your Medicaid application, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. Unlike the state health insurance marketplace, there is no deadline to apply for Medicaid. Applicants are reviewed and coverage is extended throughout the entire year. Learn how and where to apply for Medicaid in North Carolina here.
Learn About the Cost and Coverage of Medicaid in North Carolina
Medicaid services in North Carolina enable eligible residents to obtain essential health care by paying for some or all of the medical costs through various government-sponsored programs. Through North Carolina Medicaid coverage, individual patients and households with certain resources and income limits receive affordable health care. How much is Medicaid, and what services are covered by Medicaid? Learn these answers and more about Medicaid coverage here.