Medicaid in North Carolina
Medicaid income limits in dollars
Medicaid limits are expressed as percentages of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). These are the 2026 FPL figures that apply in North Carolina:
| Household size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL | 200% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $31,920 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $43,280 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $54,640 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $66,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $77,360 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $88,720 | $177,440 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $69,055 | $100,080 | $200,160 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $76,894 | $111,440 | $222,880 |
48 contiguous states + DC — for each additional person above 8, add $5,680 (at 100% FPL). Source: HHS Poverty Guidelines 2026 (Federal Register 2026-00755), effective January 13, 2026 · verify at federalregister.gov
What that means in dollars — North Carolina
- Parents (family of 3): eligible for Medicaid with annual income up to $37,702 (138% of the $27,320 FPL for 3 persons)
- Childless adults: eligible with annual income up to $22,025 (138% of the $15,960 FPL for 1 person)
Eligibility percentages: KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). Dollar figures recompute automatically each year from the HHS guidelines.
Medicaid eligibility limits in North Carolina (verified data)
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — Medicaid data by state
Verified on: 2026-05-25
ACA expansion status in North Carolina
✅ North Carolina ADOPTED Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.
Income limits for Medicaid in North Carolina
- Parents in a family of 3: up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Other adults (childless): up to 138% FPL
- Pregnant women: up to 201% of FPL (Medicaid)
Calculate your FPL for household size at aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines.
Verify eligibility
⚠️ Limits change annually. Verify current eligibility with North Carolina’s Medicaid agency or at healthcare.gov.
Medicaid expansion
North Carolina HAS adopted ACA Medicaid expansion.
This means low-income adults up to 138% of federal poverty level can qualify for Medicaid in North Carolina, regardless of having dependent children or disability.
Coverage for undocumented individuals
North Carolina does not currently have a state program extending Medicaid to undocumented individuals. However, emergency services are available under Emergency Medicaid (includes childbirth).
Federal rules applying in North Carolina
Regardless of expansion, federal eligibility rules by immigration status apply in North Carolina:
- Citizens: YES qualify
- Permanent residents (green card) 5+ years: YES qualify
- Permanent residents < 5 years: NO (5-year bar), EXCEPT children and pregnant women in CHIPRA Option states
- Refugees, asylees: YES qualify (no 5-year bar)
- DACA: NO qualify (excluded by current rule)
- Undocumented individuals: NO qualify federally
Emergency services
Under EMTALA, all hospitals in North Carolina must treat medical emergencies regardless of immigration status. Emergency Medicaid may cover the cost of emergency treatment for those meeting income requirements but not immigration status.
How to apply for Medicaid in North Carolina
- Visit North Carolina’s Medicaid portal (search “North Carolina Medicaid” or specific program name)
- Fill application online (also available by paper or in person)
- Provide: identification, proof of income, proof of residency, immigration documents (if applicable)
- Wait for determination (typically 45 days, 90 for disability-based cases)
- If approved, receive Medicaid card + provider information
Related information
Last verified: 2026-05-24.
Apply for Medicaid in North Carolina
Coverage categories
- MAGI Medicaid: for children, pregnant women, parents, non-disabled adults
- Non-MAGI Medicaid: for disabled, 65+, long-term care
- Emergency Medicaid: ONLY emergencies, no status requirement
Income limits (varies by category)
- Children: generally below 138-200% FPL
- Pregnant women: up to 200-300% FPL in many states
- Parents: varies (Medicaid expansion vs non-expansion states)
- Childless adults: only in expansion states (38 + DC)
- 65+/disabled: low limit (~75-138% FPL)
How to apply in North Carolina
- Healthcare.gov — federal combined application
- North Carolina state portal (some states have own)
- In-person at FQHCs, hospitals, social service offices
- By phone or by mail
Documents
- Identity: photo ID or passport
- Income: recent paystubs, ITIN return, sworn statement
- Residency: utility bill, lease
- For LPR: green card + date acquired (5-year bar)
When Public Charge applies
Emergency, child, and pregnancy Medicaid do NOT affect immigration case. Other categories might — consult attorney if you have pending case.
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- Federal benefits eligibility by immigration status — who qualifies for what
- Find legal aid in your state — public-benefits appeals
- ITIN for tax-funded benefits — eligibility requires SSN or ITIN
- Consulate of your country — many offer financial-assistance referrals
- Know Your Rights — public-benefits enrollment — agency confidentiality limits
How to apply for Medicaid in North Carolina
Medicaid is run by each state under its own name and rules. Apply through your state's official agency:
Frequently asked questions
Do I qualify for Medicaid in North Carolina?
Emergency Medicaid vs full Medicaid in North Carolina?
Does Medicaid ask about my immigration status in North Carolina?
Will Medicaid affect Public Charge in North Carolina?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.