Medicaid Eligibility

Medicaid may be available to people who are:

• Age 65 or older
• Blind or disabled
• Infants and children under the age of 21
• Low-income individuals and families
• In need of long-term care
• Receiving Medicare

You also must:

• Be a US citizen or provide proof of eligible immigration status (individuals only applying for emergency services are not required to provide documentation of immigration status)
• Live in North Carolina, and provide proof of residency
• Have a Social Security number or have applied for one

You are automatically eligible for Medicaid if you receive any of the following:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• State/County Special Assistance for the Aged or Disabled

Income and Resource Eligibility Requirements
Medicaid is for low-income beneficiaries. Your DSS caseworker will calculate your total income and resources to determine eligibility. For basic information on income and resource requirements:

• Medicaid Income and Resources Requirements
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities
• Medicaid for Long-Term Care
• Medicare-Aid:  Medicaid for Medicare Recipients

There are six ways to apply:

1. Apply online at ePASS.
2. Apply online at Healthcare.gov
3. Apply in person at your county Division of Social Services (DSS) office.
4. Fill out a paper application and mail to or drop it off at your county DSS office.
5. Fill out a paper application and fax to your local DSS office.
6. Complete a telephone application with your local DSS office. 

ePass is a tool that lets you check on the Internet to see if you may be eligible for several North Carolina benefits and services.   ePASS shows you the benefits for which you may be eligible. It can also help you decide if you want to apply for assistance. It may also make it easier to apply for benefits. You can complete and print off an application for Food and Nutrition Services and Medicaid and mail it or bring it to DSS.  

Begin the Application Process On Line Through E-Pass here