Family Medicaid
Current Medicaid Recipients
Starting March 15, 2021, there is a new way to get Medicaid health care.
Most people will get the same Medicaid services in a new way – through Managed Care Health Plans. You will be able to choose the health plan that is best for you. A health plan is a group of doctors, hospitals and other providers. They work together to give you the health care you need. Everything will come from the same health plan. This includes physical health, behavioral health, and medicine.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
1 - Choose a primary care provider (PCP): To keep your doctor, clinic or other health care provider as your PCP, find out which health plan they work with. You can also choose a new PCP. For a list of doctors for each health plan, visit the website, use the mobile app or call us toll free.
2 - Choose a health plan: A health plan is a group of doctors, hospitals and other providers. They work together to give you the health care you need. There are several health plans to choose from. Learn more: ncmedicaidplans.gov/find/viewhealthplans
3 - Enroll in one of these ways:
• Go to ncmedicaidplans.gov
• Use the NC Medicaid Managed Care mobile app
• Call us toll free at 1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 1-833-870-5588)
• When you receive an enrollment form, fill it out and mail or fax it back
IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS
• About your eligibility: Contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office. Find contact information here: ncdhhs.gov/localdss
• About choosing or enrolling in a health plan: Go to ncmedicaidplans.gov (chat feature available), use the NC Medicaid Managed Care mobile app or call us toll free at 1-833-870-5500 (TTY: 1-833-870-5588)
• About your benefits: Call your health plan. Find contact information here: ncmedicaidplans.gov/find/viewhealthplans
To learn more, click HERE.
NC Medicaid Managed Care Fact Sheet: English | Spanish
NC Medicaid Managed Care Information Flyer: English | Spanish
NC Medicaid Managed Care FAQ: English | Spanish
NC Medicaid Managed Care Introductory Video: English | Spanish
New Medicaid Recipients
Family Medicaid is a health insurance program for families and individuals whose income makes it difficult for them to afford health care. It is a publicly funded program governed by federal and state laws.
Family Physicians & Pediatricians Who Accept Medicaid
Dentists & Physician Specialists Who Accept Medicaid
In order to be eligible to receive Family Medicaid, individuals must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or qualified alien
- Live in North Carolina and have a social security number or have applied for one
- Have income that meets program requirements for one of the following categories:
- Families with children under age 18
- Children under age 21
- Single or married pregnant women
- Children receiving adoption or foster care assistance
- OR
- Be currently receiving a check for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Work First Family Assistance (WFFA), or Special Assistance for the Aged, Disabled or Blind (SAA, SAD or SAB)
Your family’s income, the number of people in your family, and the age of your children determine if you or your children qualify. When you apply for Medicaid, your family’s monthly income is calculated by subtracting certain deductions from your gross income. Certain deductions are given for work-related expenses, child care costs, and court-ordered child support or alimony. The deductions vary with each Medicaid program.
An eligibility specialist at Social Services will calculate your monthly family income, assess your individual situation and inform you of your eligibility status.
For more information, please visit the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services’ Medicaid Information page.
You may apply at Catawba County Social Services (address and map at left).
If possible, please have the items listed below with you when you apply. If you do not have some or all of these items, please apply anyway because it is very important to protect your application date. Your eligibility specialist can assist you in obtaining these items and information.
- Certified birth certificates or other proof of citizenship/alien status for each individual applying for Medicaid/NCHC
- Documents to verify identity for each individual applying for Medicaid/NCHC
- Social security cards, social security numbers, or proof that you have applied for a social security number for each individual applying for Medicaid or NCHC
- A copy of all pay stubs for last month
- Copies of all medical insurance policies
- Most recent bank statement
- 2 forms to verify NC residency (driver’s license, utility bill, lease)
If you are unable to apply in person, you may call and ask that an application form be mailed to you. If you are disabled, an eligibility specialist may be able to make a home visit to assist you with the application process. Faxed applications and applications received over the internet are not accepted.
For more information, call us at (828) 695-5712 or visit our offices at Catawba County Social Services. Additional information is available from the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services’ Medicaid site.
Family Medicaid Programs
Medicaid for Children provides medical coverage for children under age 19. The income limits are determined by the size of the family and the age of the child(ren) for whom you are applying. There is no limit on resources.
North Carolina Health Choice (NCHC) is North Carolina’s health insurance program for children under age 18 who have no health insurance and whose family’s income prevents them from affording health care, but who are ineligible for Medicaid. The income limits are determined by the size of the family and the age of the child(ren) for whom you are applying. There is no limit on resources.
NCHC coverage is provided through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina but is administered through Social Services because it is a publicly funded program governed by federal and state laws. This program can end or be frozen when funds are depleted.
Medicaid for Families with Dependent Children provides medical coverage for parent(s) or other caretakers with child(ren) under age 18 in the home and for children under age 21. The income limit is determined by the size of the family. You cannot have more than $3,000 in resources, such as savings, in the bank.
Medicaid for Pregnant Women only covers services related to pregnancy:
- Prenatal care, delivery and 60 days postpartum care
- Services to treat medical conditions which may complicate the pregnancy
- Childbirth classes
- Family planning services
A pregnant woman may apply for this program before or after she delivers. A woman who has experienced a recent pregnancy loss may also be eligible. The income limit is determined by the size of the family. There is no limit on resources.
The Be Smart Family Planning Program is designed to reduce unintended pregnancies and improve the well-being of children and families in North Carolina. The program provides free family planning and birth control services. It is voluntary and confidential. Women and men are eligible to apply. In order to receive services, applicants cannot be pregnant, sterile, or incarcerated.