How to Apply for Medicaid in North Carolina in 2026
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- North Carolina Medicaid gives free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents.
- Apply online through the ePASS portal.
- You can also apply by mail, email, fax, or in person at your county DSS.
- Applying is free – you never pay to apply for Medicaid.
In North Carolina, Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income residents, and the state has expanded coverage to more low-income adults. Here is how to apply for Medicaid in North Carolina in 2026.
Who is eligible
North Carolina Medicaid eligibility is based mainly on household income and size, following the same core rules as Medicaid eligibility nationwide. Children, pregnant North Carolinians, families, seniors, and people with disabilities may qualify, and many adults now qualify under Medicaid expansion. Because income limits depend on your household, confirm the current figure at the official source below and review what counts as income and the general Medicaid income limits.
How to apply
North Carolina offers several ways to apply:
- Online – through ePASS at epass.nc.gov (you create a secure NCID to start).
- By phone – call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 1-888-245-0179 to find your local office.
- By mail, email, fax, or in person – download an application and submit it to your local Department of Social Services (DSS).
A Medicaid Ambassador can help you apply for free – never pay a third party to apply.
Documents you will need
- Proof of identity and North Carolina residency.
- Income information (pay stubs, benefit letters).
- Social Security numbers and immigration or status information for applicants.
- Household and tax-filing details.
After you apply
Your county DSS reviews your application – it can take up to 45 days (up to 90 days for disability-based applications). Respond quickly to any request. Track it with the Medicaid application status guide, and see when Medicaid coverage starts. Children who do not qualify may be covered through CHIP (NC Health Choice), and people who also have Medicare should read about dual eligibility.
If you have an urgent medical need
If you had a recent medical emergency, ask about retroactive coverage and Emergency Medicaid while your application is processed.
Tips
- Apply even if you are unsure – the county makes the final determination.
- Keep copies of everything you submit and note your case number.
- Report changes in income or household promptly; if needed, report an income change.
- Renew on time each year – see how to renew your Medicaid coverage – to avoid a gap.
What to do next
Gather your documents and apply through ePASS or your county DSS today. Coverage can start quickly once you are approved. Comparing states? See how to apply in California, Texas, New York, Ohio, and Illinois.
Official source
Learn about NC Medicaid and apply through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at medicaid.ncdhhs.gov, the ePASS portal at epass.nc.gov, and medicaid.gov. Applying is free.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for Medicaid in North Carolina?
Online through ePASS (epass.nc.gov), by phone at 1-888-245-0179, or by mail, email, fax, or in person at your county Department of Social Services. Applying is free.
How long does a decision take?
Up to 45 days for most applications, and up to 90 days for applications based on a disability. Respond quickly to any request for more information.
What documents do I need?
Proof of identity, North Carolina residency, income, and Social Security numbers or immigration information for applicants. Have household and tax details ready.
What to Do Next
Ready to act? Applying, checking status, and getting help are free through the official agency – you never pay a third party. Gather what you need, apply or respond early, and keep copies of everything you submit.