More People Can Get Health Care Coverage Through NC Medicaid

Beginning Dec. 1, 2023, more people–including many SouthLight clients–can get health coverage through Medicaid. Southlight is preparing to make this a smooth process for our clients and and provide assistance with applications.

If you are a SouthLight client, you can stop by the Drop In Center for help, or ask your counselor for assistance with the application.

Medicaid will cover people ages 19 through 64 years with higher incomes. North Carolinians may be able to get health care insurance through Medicaid even if they didn’t qualify before.

Why is Medicaid Expansion Important?  

Accessing Medicaid for folks who have been previously ineligible can be a game changer for individuals and families in North Carolina. Although individuals may have been able to access mental health and substance use treatment, more options for services at SouthLight become available and increased access to medical care can, and does, impact the effectiveness of this treatment for our clients and the community. 

Medicaid pays for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, mental health services, and more – at little or no cost to beneficiaries.

Most people will be able to get health care coverage through Medicaid if they meet the criteria below. If you were eligible before, you still are. To learn more, go to medicaid.ncdhhs.gov.

Quick Facts about North Carolina’s Medicaid Expansion 

• North Carolina expanded who can get Medicaid on December 1, 2023.
• Adults ages 19 through 64 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty line (e.g., singles earning about $20,000/year or families of three earning about $34,000/year) may be eligible. 
• The best way to apply is online through ePASS; you can also apply in person, by phone or mailed applications. The processing time for applications can be up to 45 days. Applications submitted online may be processed faster. 
• The coverage will be comprehensive, including services like primary care, hospital stays, maternity care, vision and hearing, dental/oral health care and more. 
• Medicaid pays for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, mental health and more – at little or no cost to members. 

People can apply for Medicaid online at epass.nc.gov.

They can also submit a paper application or apply in person at their local Department of Social Services (DSS). Applications may take up to 45 days to process. Incomplete applications may take longer. To help the process go faster, people can:

• Apply online at ePASS and provide all the information requested. If the application is incomplete, it may take longer to process. DSS will need to follow up with the applicant.
• Keep contact information up-to-date in ePASS, to receive all important information about Medicaid benefits.
• Sign up for an enhanced ePASS account to keep your information updated without having to contact the local DSS office.