Every state has a Medicaid program. Some states intentionally make it difficult for people to learn about the eligibility requirements for Medicaid, and make it hard to apply. North Carolina, on the other hand, makes finding this vital information very easy for people.
Medicaid is a public, or a government run, form of health insurance. It is designed to cover individuals and families who are low income and who cannot afford to purchase a health plan from a private health insurance company. Medicaid is funded, in part, by the federal government. It is also funded, in part, by the government of an individual state.
In North Carolina, the Medicaid program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The state makes it extremely easy for people to learn about Medicaid. You can find the eligibility requirements, and information about how to apply for Medicaid, right on the official Medicaid website for North Carolina.
The Medicaid program in North Carolina may help pay for certain medical expenses. This might include: doctor bills, hospital bills, prescriptions, vision care, dental care, Medicare premiums, nursing home care, personal care service, in home care under the Community Alternatives Program, most medically necessary services for children under age 21, and mental health care.
In order to be eligible for Medicaid, a person must be a United States citizen. Or, the person must provide proof of immigration status. The person must live in North Carolina and be able to show proof of residency. The person must have a Social Security number, (or have applied to get one).
Typically, a person who fits into the following groups may be eligible for Medicaid: “Aged, Blind and Disabled”, “Infants, Children, and Families”, “Long-Term Care”, or “Medicare Recipients”. A person is automatically eligible for the Medicaid program if her or she is already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Work First Family Assistance, State/County Special Assistance for the Aged or Disabled, or Special Assistance to the Blind.
To apply for Medicaid in North Carolina, a person must go to the County Department of Social Services (DSS) that is located in the county that he or she lives in, and apply in person. There is a long list on the Medicaid website of items and information that you must bring with you. If you are unable to apply in person, you can print out the application, complete it, and mail it to your local DSS office.
Image by Normal B. Leventhal Map Center at the BPL on Flickr