From Beaufort County Government

WASHINGTON, N.C. –– Beaufort County Department of Social Services is making final preparations for the launch of North Carolina’s Medicaid Expansion on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

Medicaid will cover people ages 19 through 64 years with higher incomes. North Carolinians may be able to get health care insurance through Medicaid even if they didn’t qualify before. If you currently have full Medicaid coverage, nothing will change for you.

Medicaid pays for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, mental health services and more – at little or no cost to beneficiaries.

Adults ages 19 through 64 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty line (e.g., singles earning about $20,000/year or families of three earning about $34,000/year) may be eligible.

An estimated 3,150 Beaufort County residents will become eligible for Medicaid through expansion.

Most people will be able to get health care coverage through Medicaid if they meet the criteria below. And if you were eligible before, you still are.

• Live in North Carolina
• Be ages 19-64
• Be a citizen. Some non-US citizens can get health care coverage through Medicaid. Tolearn more, go to medicaid.ncdhhs.gov.
• Have a household income that is below 138% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $20,000 for a single adult or about $34,000 for a family of three.

Beaufort County DSS encourages residents who are eligible under the expanded guidelines to apply for Medicaid benefits online at https://epass.nc.gov. You can also apply online through HealthCare.gov, in-person at Beaufort County DSS, or by mail with a paper application, which you can download online. Beaufort County DSS is located at 632 W. Fifth St. Washington, NC 27889.

Beaufort County DSS encourages residents who already have Medicaid to make sure their current mailing address, phone number, email or other contact information is on file with us. You can update that information through ePass or in-person at the agency. You can call Beaufort County DSS at 252-975-5500.

For more information about Medicaid Expansion, click here.