NC Medicaid
WNCCHS accepts NC Medicaid and is accepting new patients.
NC Medicaid provides health coverage for eligible North Carolinians and covers services including primary care, prescriptions, dental care, behavioral health care and more.
Medicaid Is Changing
New federal and state rules are changing NC
Medicaid in 2027. The changes do not affect
everyone, but some people may need to take
action to keep their coverage.
Changes Include:
Adults ages 19-64: Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, many adults covered through Medicaid will need to meet a new work and community engagement requirement. This may include working, going to school, volunteering or meeting a monthly income requirement. Some people do not have to meet this requirement.
Medicaid renewals: Beginning in 2027, most adults ages 19-64 covered through Medicaid will renew their Medicaid every six months instead of once a year.
Non-U.S. citizens: New eligibility rules for some non-U.S. citizens took effect Oct. 1, 2026.
People applying for Medicaid: Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, Medicaid will cover fewer months of eligible health care costs from before the date you apply.
Not sure if a change applies to you? Visit the NC Medicaid website or contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS). Do not assume that you will lose coverage.
If none of these situations apply to you, your Medicaid does not change as long as you continue to meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Have Medicaid? Take These Steps Now
Make sure DSS has your current address and phone number. Important Medicaid notices will come from your local Department of Social Services. You can update your information through ePASS or contact your local DSS.
Read and respond to Medicaid letters right away. Some notices have deadlines. Missing a deadline could affect your coverage.
Create an enhanced ePASS account. You may need it to upload documents to keep your Medicaid coverage.
Start saving important records. Depending on your situation, you may need documents such as pay stubs, school records, volunteer logs, benefit letters or medical records.
Could I Qualify for Medicaid?
Medicaid eligibility depends on factors including your age, household income, household size, pregnancy or disability status and other circumstances.
Medicaid provides coverage to many adults ages 19-64 who previously did not qualify for Medicaid. Income limits change over time, so we recommend using the current eligibility information from NC Medicaid rather than relying on an older income chart.
If you think you may qualify, you can apply even if you are not sure.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply for NC Medicaid at any time. The easiest way to apply online is through ePASS, North Carolina's secure benefits website. You can also apply through your local Department of Social Services by phone, mail or in person.
Applying before the end of 2026? If you apply by Dec. 31, 2026, Medicaid may cover eligible health care costs from up to three months before you applied.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, retroactive coverage will be shorter:
Most adults ages 19-64 without a disability: up to one month before applying.
Children, adults 65 and older, and people with a disability: up to two months before applying.
If you are applying or reapplying for Medicaid in 2027, additional work and community engagement rules may apply. The rules for applying can be different from the rules for renewing your coverage. Learn more from NC Medicaid.
What you must have to apply:
Full legal name and date of birth for at least one person applying
Mailing address for at least one person applying
Your signature (digital, voice, or written, depending on how you apply)
What you may need have to apply:
You can save time if you also give the following information:
Identity documents, such as driver’s license or school ID
Social Security number (SSN) for people applying who have them, or proof they have applied for one
Immigration documents for non-U.S. citizens who are applying
Proof you live in North Carolina, such as a photo ID with your address, a utility bill, a lease, or documentation of employment
Employer and income information for you and everyone in your household, such as paystubs, W-2 forms, tax returns or business records
Copies of all medical or life insurance policies
List of all cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, etc. you or anyone in your household own, including the year, make, model and vehicle identification number (VIN) for each item
Most recent bank statements
List of all real property you own (this includes land, homes and buildings)
Current financial statements/award letters from other sources of income, such as Social Security, retirement benefits, pensions, veterans benefits and child support
Ways to Apply
For complete details on how to apply, please visit the NCDHHS Medicaid website.
If you are asked to choose a primary care provider (PCP), you can choose WNCCHS!
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Online
Apply online through NCDHHS's secure website, ePASS. On the application, NC Medicaid is referred to as “Medical Assistance.”
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In Person
Apply in person at your local Department of Social Services (DSS). Walk-ins are available at all local DSS. You can also schedule an in-person or phone interview.
You can complete an application at your local DSS. Or, you can fill out a printable application (DMA-5200) ahead of time. If you are a single adult without health care coverage from your employer, use the “short form” application (DMA-5201).
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Call
Call your local Department of Social Services (DSS) to apply over the phone.
Use the DSS directory or call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 1-888-245-0179 to find the location closest to you.
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Mail
Download and fill out a printable application (DMA-5200, called the “Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs”).
Remember, you must sign your application.
Then mail, email, fax or bring your application to your local Department of Social Services (DSS). Use the DSS directory or call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 1-888-245-0179 to find the location closest to you.
Need Help Applying for Medicaid?
There are several ways you can get help applying for Medicaid. Here are some options:
WNCCHS now has a Medicaid Navigator on our team who can help answer questions and assist with the application. Please call 828-285-0622 Ext. 2150 to make an appointment with the WNCCHS Medicaid Navigator
Call WNCCHS's medical legal partner, Pisgah Legal Services, for help with enrollment: (828) 210-3404.
Stop by WNCCHS—Minnie Jones Health Center at 257 Biltmore Ave. in Asheville, NC, with your supporting documents (see above) and ask for assistance.
Medicaid Plans
Most people enrolled in NC Medicaid receive their coverage through a Medicaid health plan. Some people receive coverage through NC Medicaid Direct or another Medicaid program. Covered services include:
Doctor visits | Medical supplies | Hospital visits | Lab tests and X-rays | Behavioral health care | Therapies | Prescriptions | Hospice | Eye care
WNCCHS accepts all Medicaid health plans.
NCMedicaidPlans.gov
To see the full list of NC Medicaid covered services provided by the health plans, go to ncmedicaidplans.gov. WNCCHS accepts all Medicaid health plans.
We recommend you check your account to see which plan and Primary Care Provider is listed for you, since they can be automatically assigned – but you can change either for any reason.
If you want to change your health plan, you have 90 days after Medicaid enrollment to pick a new one. To do so, visit ncmedicaidplans.gov, use the NC Medicaid Managed Care mobile app, or call 1-833-870-5500.
If You Lose Medicaid Coverage
Losing Medicaid does not mean you have to stop receiving care at WNCCHS.
WNCCHS serves patients with and without insurance. If your Medicaid coverage ends, ask us about our Sliding Fee Program, which may reduce the amount you pay based on your household size and income.
If you receive a Medicaid notice saying your coverage will end and you believe the decision is incorrect, the notice will explain how to appeal. You can also contact the NC Medicaid Ombudsman at 1-877-201-3750 for free help understanding a Medicaid notice or problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the NC Medicaid Help Center HERE.
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They may. The changes mainly affect some adults ages 19-64, some non-U.S. citizens and people applying or reapplying for Medicaid. Some people are exempt from the new work and community engagement requirement.
Visit NC Medicaid's Medicaid Is Changing page or contact your local DSS to find out what applies to your situation.
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Medicaid eligibility rules for non-U.S. citizens changed Oct. 1, 2026. Some non-U.S. citizens can still qualify, including certain lawful permanent residents, lawfully residing children and pregnant or postpartum people, people with Cuban or Haitian entrant status, and citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands or Palau living in the United States.
Immigration and Medicaid eligibility can be complicated. Review NC Medicaid's current guidance or contact your local DSS for help understanding how the rules apply to you.
Immigration and Medicaid eligibility can be complicated. Some people who are not eligible for full Medicaid may still qualify for Emergency Medicaid for certain emergency medical care. Visit NC Medicaid’s current guidance or contact your local DSS for help understanding how the rules apply to you. -
You do not have to pay any monthly premiums. Medicaid pays the cost for most health care services. The highest copay is $4 and that is only required for some services.
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Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, many adults ages 19-64 covered through Medicaid expansion will need to meet a work and community engagement requirement.
Generally, this means completing 80 hours per month of qualifying work, school, volunteering or other approved activities, or meeting the monthly income requirement.Many people do not have to meet this requirement. Exceptions include certain people with disabilities or serious medical conditions, people who are pregnant or recently pregnant, some caregivers and others. See the full list of people who may not have to meet the requirement.
If you are not sure whether the requirement applies to you, contact your local DSS rather than guessing.
Learn More: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/beneficiaries/impact-hr-1-and-federal-changes-medicaid/work-and-community-engagement-requirement -
Yes, for as long as you choose to be! WNCCHS serves patients who are both uninsured and insured, which includes Medicaid. You can enroll in Medicaid and continue to see your WNCCHS provider per usual -- in fact, you become eligible for even more assistance/services!
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You can apply now. The best way to apply is online through ePASS; you can also apply in-person, by phone or mailed applications. The processing time for applications can be up to 45 days. Applications submitted online may be processed faster.
If you need help applying, don’t worry! WNCCHS now has a Medicaid Navigator on our team who can help answer questions and assist with the application. Please call 828-285-0622 Ext.2150 to make an appointment with the WNCCHS Medicaid Navigator
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WNCCHS accepts all NC Medicaid health plans. If your Medicaid account lists another primary care provider, contact your Medicaid health plan to ask about changing your PCP to your WNCCHS provider. The phone number for your health plan is on your Medicaid ID card.
If you have NC Medicaid Direct, call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 1-888-245-0179.
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Most NC Medicaid members receive their coverage through a managed care health plan.
Click here to view health plan options available for you. Many providers accept Medicaid plans, and WNCCHS accepts them all.We recommend you check your account to see which plan and Primary Care Provider is listed for you, since they can be automatically assigned – but you can change either for any reason.
If you want to change your health plan, you have 90 days after Medicaid enrollment to pick a new one. To do so, visit ncmedicaidplans.gov, use the NC Medicaid Managed Care mobile app, or call 1-833-870-5500.
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Health care visits will be either free or low cost. You will not have pay a monthly premium to enroll in Medicaid expansion.
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The date your Medicaid coverage begins depends on when you apply and your eligibility.
If you apply by Dec. 31, 2026, Medicaid may cover eligible health care costs from up to three months before you applied.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, retroactive coverage will be shorter:
Most adults ages 19-64 without a disability: up to one month before applying.
Children, adults 65 and older, and people with a disability: up to two months before applying.
If you have questions about whether Medicaid can cover care you already received, contact your local Department of Social Services.