Benefits · Health Coverage
How to apply for North Carolina Medicaid — Aged, Blind & Disabled (MAABD)
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid)
Who it's for
NC Medicaid for people who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled (the non-MAGI MAABD pathway, separate from the 2023 Medicaid expansion). People who receive SSI qualify automatically. Others may qualify as 'Medically Needy' by meeting a Medicaid deductible (spend-down). The countable resource limit is $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for a couple. Apply online at ePASS or through your county Department of Social Services.
The income figure shown is the federal SSI benefit rate (the categorically-needy anchor). North Carolina also covers aged/blind/disabled residents through the 'Medically Needy' pathway: if your income is higher, you may still get Medicaid after meeting a monthly deductible (spend-down). The resource limit ($2,000 single / $3,000 couple) is firm. Married couples — long-term-care note: when one spouse needs nursing-facility or waiver care and the other stays home, federal spousal-impoverishment rules let the at-home spouse keep substantially more income and assets (up to $162,660 in countable assets in 2026); the county DSS calculates the exact protected amount. Income/resource limits update each April 1. Not legal or financial advice.
What you'll need
- Proof of age 65+ (or proof of blindness/disability)
- Proof of North Carolina residency
- Proof of all income and resources
- Social Security card
- Medicare card if enrolled
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-888-245-0179
Renewals
annual
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.