North Carolina · Medicaid
Medicaid in North Carolina
Looking for Medicaid eligibility in North Carolina? Here is how this coverage lane works specifically for North Carolina residents, what it costs, and how to get it.
Facts on this page checked Jan 15, 2026. Sources are listed at the end.
How it works here
Medicaid, explained for North Carolina.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify regardless of whether they have children.
Medicaid in North Carolina provides free or very low-cost comprehensive coverage for those who qualify, and you can apply year-round — there is no enrollment window.
If you do not qualify for Medicaid in North Carolina, a subsidized Marketplace plan through HealthCare.gov is usually the next best option.
North Carolina's Medicaid expansion opened coverage to more low-income adults who previously fell into a coverage gap.
Eligible adults can apply year-round; income and household-size rules still determine whether Medicaid or Marketplace subsidies apply.
If you are unsure which program fits, start an application — the platform screens both public and private options.
North Carolina facts
- Marketplace
- HealthCare.gov
- Medicaid expansion
- Adopted
- Uninsured rate
- ~10.4%
Open enrollment 2027
When North Carolina can enroll.
- Opens
- Nov 1, 2026
- Sun
- Enroll by, for Jan 1 coverage
- Dec 15, 2026
- Tue
- Last day to enroll
- Jan 15, 2027
- Fri
North Carolina residents enroll at HealthCare.gov. Enroll after Dec 15 and coverage usually starts February 1. Outside this window, a qualifying life event (a move, a new baby, losing other coverage) can open a Special Enrollment Period.
Medicare is different.Medicare’s annual enrollment runs Oct 15 to Dec 7, 2026. For Medicare help, visit our sister site OLYRON Medicare or Medicare.gov.
Dates checked Oct 15, 2026. Sources: HealthCare.gov: dates and deadlines; CMS statement, Jul 27, 2026.
More in this state
Other coverage in North Carolina.
- ACA Marketplace plansSubsidy-eligible major-medical plans sold on the exchange.
- Health sharingMember-funded medical cost sharing — not insurance.
- Short-term plansTemporary coverage to bridge a gap — limited benefits.
- MedicareOriginal Medicare, Advantage, and Medigap for 65+ and eligible.
- DentalStandalone and bundled dental coverage options.
- VisionEye exams, glasses, and contacts coverage.
- TelehealthVirtual primary and urgent care memberships.
Questions
Good questions, short answers.
Who qualifies for Medicaid in North Carolina?
Adults with income up to about 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, plus children, pregnant women, and others who meet income rules.
Can I apply for Medicaid any time in North Carolina?
Yes — unlike Marketplace plans, Medicaid enrollment is open year-round for those who qualify.
Did North Carolina expand Medicaid?
Yes. North Carolina adopted ACA Medicaid expansion, which generally opens coverage to more low-income adults.
Sources
- Medicaid.gov — federal Medicaid program information · reviewed 2026-01-15
- KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) — health policy research · reviewed 2026-01-15
- OLYRON HealthMatch editorial methodology — how we source and rate options · reviewed 2026-01-15
Before the rush
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