Big changes are coming to NC Medicaid. Most changes will not affect people with disabilities, but you must pay close attention and act now!
First, check that your local Department of Social Services (local DSS) has your current address and phone number. If they write to you at the wrong address, you could lose your Medicaid without knowing why. Update your address online at ePASS or call your local DSS.
Second, make sure you answer any letter right away. Letters from your local DSS usually have a deadline. Missing a deadline is a common reason people lose Medicaid.
Third, get an enhanced ePASS account if you do not have one. You need an enhanced account to upload any documents you may need to share to keep your Medicaid coverage.
Non-Citizens: Starting on October 1, 2026, most adult non-citizens will lose Medicaid. But if you are lawfully residing pregnant woman or child, you can keep Medicaid. And if you are a lawful permanent resident, green card holder, Cuban or Haitian entrant, or COFA migrant, you can keep Medicaid.
Work Requirements: You may have heard about new work requirements. Beginning on January 1, 2027, Medicaid will require people who got their Medicaid under Medicaid Expansion to work or volunteer. However, most people with disabilities who cannot work will not have to work. Also, most people who are family caregivers for people with disabilities will not have to work. Most likely, even if you got Medicaid through Medicaid Expansion, you will not have to work if you are:
• In a Tailored Plan (Alliance, Vaya, Partners, or Trillium)
• Receiving drug or alcohol treatment
• Blind or disabled as defined by Social Security
• Have a substance use disorder
• Have a disabling mental disorder, or
• Have a physical, intellectual or developmental disability that impairs your ability to perform 1 or more activities of daily living.
But these categories and details are still unclear. NCDHHS will send more information soon about how to prove that you are a caregiver or are too disabled to work. When DRNC receives additional information we will provide updates via our website.
Newly Applying for Medicaid: If you are not currently receiving Medicaid but wish to apply, some changes are coming. If you apply now and get approved, Medicaid will cover approved costs for 3 months before you applied. If you apply on January 1, 2027 or later, Medicaid will only cover 1 or 2 months of costs before you applied. Therefore, if you think you may be eligible for Medicaid, it is best to apply as soon as possible.
For free answers and help, contact NC Med Help at ncmedhelp.org / 855-972-4357