NC Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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NC Medicaid is North Carolina's Medicaid program, and it is run by the NC DHHS, Division of Health Benefits. North Carolina adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in December 1, 2023, so an adult under 65 qualifies on income alone at or below 138% of the poverty guideline: $1,835 a month for one person in 2026. Children are covered through NC Medicaid for children, and the application is at epass.nc.gov or 888-245-0179. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | NC Medicaid |
|---|---|
| Children | NC Medicaid for children (NC Health Choice was merged in) |
| Agency | NC DHHS, Division of Health Benefits |
| Apply | epass.nc.gov · 888-245-0179 |
| Expansion | Yes, since December 1, 2023 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | federal deadline January 1, 2027 |
| Plans | Most members are in an NC Medicaid Managed Care plan. |
Who qualifies in North Carolina
Adults 19 to 64 not on Medicare qualify at or below 138% of poverty (133% plus a 5% disregard), on household modified adjusted gross income, with no asset test. The 2026 figures:
| Household size | Annual income at 138% | Monthly | 100% of poverty (marketplace floor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 | $38,680 |
Computed from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (January 15, 2026).
Children (NC Medicaid for children), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that North Carolina sets above the federal minimums.
How North Carolina compares
North Carolina expanded in 2023, later than most; no state has expanded since. On the work requirement it is not among the early starters (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska), so members have until January 1, 2027. North Carolina uses the plain "Medicaid" name, so the card and letters say what they are.
How to apply for NC Medicaid
- Apply online at epass.nc.gov, or call 888-245-0179. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to North Carolina. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income. Choose a plan when asked, or one is assigned.
A NC Medicaid case also qualifies you for a free phone (North Carolina carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with North Carolina SNAP.
What changes in North Carolina
North Carolina has not announced a start date for the federal work requirement, so it takes effect on the federal deadline, January 1, 2027. Six-month renewals for expansion adults begin with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. The nationwide changes are on the hub with CMS sources.
North Carolina specifics
- North Carolina's expansion is the newest of any state, live since December 1, 2023; the agency warns that new federal rules start October 1, 2026 and members may need to act to keep coverage.
- Offices serve Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether NC Medicaid pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is North Carolina's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in North Carolina for 2026?
$22,025 a year for one adult, $29,863 for two and $45,540 for four (138% of the 2026 poverty guideline); children go higher through NC Medicaid for children.
Does North Carolina have a Medicaid work requirement?
From January 1, 2027, the federal deadline; North Carolina has not set an earlier date. It applies to expansion adults 19 to 64 at 80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub.
Sources
- NC Medicaid: state program page
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid expansion and you (138%)
- Federal Register: community engagement interim final rule (June 3, 2026)
- CMS: 2025 law section-by-section overview
Gov-Grants.org is an independent guide, not a carrier and not a government agency. We never charge fees, and every fact above links to its source with the date we checked it. Program details change; confirm on the official site before applying.