Things You'll Need:
- Verification of your income
- Social Security number for each member of your household
- Bank statements
- Copies of your children's birth certificates
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Step 1
Take stock of your current situation to determine if you fall into one of North Carolina’s Medicaid eligibility categories. If you already receive cash assistance, are pregnant, over the age of 65, blind or disabled, a child between the ages of 6 and 19, or you suffer from breast or cervical cancer, you may qualify for Medicaid in North Carolina.
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Step 2
Your household also has to meet the monthly income requirements. Most Medicaid programs available in North Carolina require that a household earn less than 100 to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. In other words, if you need Medicaid coverage for a child under 6 years old, your household income must fall below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. If the federal poverty level for a family of four is $20,000, a family of four seeking assistance for children under 6 years old must earn less than $40,000 annually to qualify for full Medicaid coverage. See the Additional Resources section to learn about the Medicaid programs available in North Carolina and to view the income guidelines for each one.
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Step 3
Gather copies of income statements, Social Security cards and birth certificates for all members of your family to show to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. You’ll need to provide proof of your financial difficulty and citizenship in order to qualify for Medicaid in North Carolina. You can speed the decision-making process of your claim if you go to the DHHS office prepared with the documents needed to determine your eligibility for Medicaid. Your caseworker may ask for additional documentation (such as your rental or mortgage agreement, bank statements and copies of your utility bills). To save yourself time and another trip to the DHHS office, bring these documents with you just in case your caseworker asks to see them.
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Step 4
Make an appointment with a caseworker to discuss your eligibility for Medicaid. Your caseworker will be able to help you fill out an application for Medicaid and let you know if you qualify for other assistance in North Carolina. Call your local DHHS office to schedule an appointment for an interview.
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Step 5
Appeal the decision if Medicaid denies your claim. If the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services denies your Medicaid claim and you believe your family is entitled to receive health-care assistance, you have the right to appeal the decision within 60 days. Call your local DHHS office and ask for an Appeal Request Form. Complete the form and mail it to the address located at the top of the form. Within a few days, you’ll receive information about the appeal process and your right to a formal hearing.
