Medicaid in
North Carolina
North Carolina expanded Medicaid, so adults qualify for NC Medicaid at 138% of the federal poverty level — about $2,969 a month for a household of three, with or without children.
Who Qualifies for NC Medicaid in North Carolina?
North Carolina expanded Medicaid
Adults aged 19–64 in North Carolina qualify for NC Medicaid on income alone, at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, whether or not they have children and with no asset test for this group.
| Household Size | Monthly Limit | Annual Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,732 | $20,783 |
| 2 people | $2,351 | $28,207 |
| 3 people | $2,969 | $35,632 |
| 4 people | $3,588 | $43,056 |
| 5 people | $4,207 | $50,480 |
| 6 people | $4,825 | $57,905 |
| 7 people | $5,444 | $65,329 |
| 8 people | $6,063 | $72,754 |
Limits shown at 138% of the federal poverty level for North Carolina — the level a parent or caretaker adult is measured against. Source: state Medicaid eligibility levels as most recently published (2024); states may revise them. Children, pregnant women and people who are 65+, blind or disabled use different and generally higher limits.
Eligibility Requirements
Here's what you need to qualify for Medicaid in North Carolina.
Income Limit
$2,969/mo for a household of three (138% FPL)
Adults Without Children
Covered in North Carolina up to 138% of the federal poverty level
Citizenship
U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or qualified non-citizen
Non-expansion states limit adults to ~100% FPL.
Required Documents
Have these ready before you start your Medicaid application.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for Medicaid in North Carolina.
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents listed above before starting.
Submit your application
Apply online through ePASS, or by phone at 888-245-0179. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services handles North Carolina applications.
Wait for processing
Processing takes 15–45 days. Keep copies of everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in North Carolina in 2026?
North Carolina expanded Medicaid, so an adult under 65 qualifies for NC Medicaid with monthly income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,732 a month for one person, $2,969 for a household of three and $3,588 for four — $20,783 and $35,632 a year respectively. Children, pregnant women and people who are 65+, blind or disabled are measured against different and generally higher limits.
Can I get Medicaid in North Carolina if I have no children?
Yes. Because North Carolina expanded Medicaid, adults aged 19–64 with no children qualify for NC Medicaid on income alone, at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. You do not need to be disabled, pregnant or a parent.
How do I apply for Medicaid in North Carolina?
Apply for NC Medicaid online through ePASS at medicaid.ncdhhs.gov, run by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, or by phone at 888-245-0179. Medicaid has no open-enrolment window — you can apply any day of the year, and coverage can be backdated up to three months if you were eligible then.
How long does North Carolina take to approve Medicaid?
15–45 days is the normal range. Federal rules give North Carolina 45 days to decide most applications and 90 days when a disability determination is required. Coverage, once granted, is generally backdated to the first day of the month you applied.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid in North Carolina?
Children are covered at much higher incomes than adults everywhere — North Carolina covers children through Medicaid and CHIP well above the adult limit, so apply for them separately even if you are denied. Pregnancy coverage also uses a higher limit. Above those, a Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit is the next step, and people who are 65+ or on Medicare should check the Medicare Savings Programs instead.
Medicaid in Other States
Whether a state expanded Medicaid changes the adult income limit from 138% of poverty to as little as 15%.