Family and Children's Medicaid and Health Choice for Children

How to Apply

Applications are taken at the Department of Social Services during normal hours of operation. Normal hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. An application may also be picked up and taken home to fill out for Children’s Medicaid or NCHC for Children. There are NCHC applications located in the entrance of the main building of DSS and a drop box to return them. The two-page application may also be
mailed back to the DSS or returned in person. An interview is completed at DSS. The application must first be made for Medicaid eligibility. Anyone not eligible for Medicaid is then evaluated for NCHC. In order to complete the application more quickly, verification of the previous month’s income, proof of residency, and social security number(s) and birth certificate(s) of all applicants and caretakers should be attached to the application. The family will be notified of the approval or denial of benefits as soon as eligibility is determined.

Medicaid for Pregnant Women (MPW)

Medical assistance is available for pregnant women who fall below the income guidelines. The Medicaid is for pregnancy related procedures only. Once determined
eligible for MPW, the coverage continues thru the postpartum period regardless of income or other changes.

Medicaid for Families (MAF)

This program provides medical assistance for low-income families with children under age 19. To qualify the family must meet guidelines and resource limits (bank accounts, vehicles, and other assets). This category includes 20-year-old individuals that may or may not have a child. Some families may have a deductible before Medicaid coverage begins.

Medicaid for Infants and Children (MIC)

This program provides medical assistance for children or individuals under the age of 19. There are three different income categories based on the age of the individual. The income limits are highest for very young children. There are no reserve limits or deductibles for this program.

North Carolina Health Choice (NCHC)

This program provides medical insurance administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. This program is for individuals under 19 whose income is too high for Medicaid and who do not have private insurance. Depending on their income there may be co-payments for
prescriptions, doctor visits, and emergency room visits. Some families may need to pay an enrollment fee of $100 maximum before benefits are issued. This enrollment fee covers the child/children for one year.