Why does Medicaid Expansion in North Carolina matter to me?
On December 1st, 2023, North Carolina officially expanded Medicaid. This means that nearly 600,000 people in North Carolina will be newly eligible for Medicaid. Under Medicaid, you usually don’t have to pay any premiums or the cost for most healthcare services. The highest copay is $4 which is usually only required for some services. If you are eligible, Medicaid Expansion could really have a big impact on your life and your ability to access the healthcare that you need.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for Medicaid if you are between the ages of 19-64 and you are earning up to 138% of the federal poverty line (e.g., a single person earning about $20,000/year or families of three earning about $34,000/year). Check out this link HERE to find out more whether you’re eligible.
How do I apply for Medicaid if I think I am eligible or know someone who might be?
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) strongly recommends that you apply for Medicaid online. You can apply online: HERE. Another option is to apply in person or via phone at your local NC DSS office. You can find out more information about your local office HERE. You can also apply by mailing your application using this form HERE.
Can I still apply for Medicaid in NC if I am unable to work?
You will not qualify for Medicaid under the Medicaid Expansion. However, you may qualify by being found to be disabled by the North Carolina Disability Determination Services (DDS). They will use the same criteria as the Social Security Agency does to determine whether you are disabled. You will need to apply for a Medicaid disability claim by contacting your county Department of Social Services office HERE. Keep in mind that you will have to file a separate claim if applying for Social Security disability benefits.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Pati Law Firm, or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Pati Law Firm
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