Medical Assistance Programs

Social Services determines eligibility for several Medical Assistance Programs based on a variety of guidelines, primarily in the areas of income, financial resources, living arrangements, and in some cases, medical conditions. Most benefits are provided through Medicaid and recipients receive their benefits each month in the form of a card that is taken to the medical provider, who then bills the state for payment. Benefits can include doctor visits, hospital care, dental care, prescriptions and eye care services. 

Medicaid groups include:

  • Elderly, Blind, and Disabled Adults who wish to remain at home.
  • Those in nursing or adult care homes.
  • The Community Alternative Program (CAP) for those at risk for facility placement who want to remain at home.
  • Pregnant Women
  • Children from birth through age 20
  • Adult caretakers of children

For those who don't qualify for Medicaid, Social Services also takes applications for several other programs, each with their own specific eligibility guidelines:

  • "Be Smart" Family Planning Program: Services related to family planning.   
  • Medicare: Individuals who have Medicare coverage may be eligible to have their Medicare premiums paid by the state. At Social Services, this program is called "MQB". 
  • NC Health Choice for Children: Children who are under age 19 may qualify for free or low cost health insurance if they are uninsured and if the family income is higher than the Medicaid limits but less than 200% of the poverty level. There is no limit on resources. The coverage is similar to that of Medicaid. Eligible children receive a card which is valid for one year (unless they move out of state or become insured through another source).
  • Medicare and Prescription Help: Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for extra prescription help if they have limited income and resources. The extra help can increase their cost savings by paying for part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. The extra help could be worth more than $3,300 per year. Click here Medical Assistance Programs Medical Assistance Programs to apply directly with the Social Security Administration. 

Medicaid applications may be submitted:  in-person, by mail/fax/email, online, or telephone.  

If you choose to apply online, you may do so at:
https://epass.nc.gov/.

If you would like to email your application to us, you may do so at:
dssmedicaidapps@cravencountync.gov.