North Carolina Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Who Qualifies
Who can get NC Medicaid in 2026, the income limits in dollars, and how to apply — in plain English.
✓ Every figure on this page verified against the primary government source as of July 16, 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid, so adults qualify for NC Medicaid in 2026 with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $1,835 per month for a single person and $3,795 for a family of four, with no asset test.
Key takeaways
- Qualify as an adult with income up to $1,835/month (1 person) or $3,795 (family of 4) — 138% FPL.
- Skip the asset test — MAGI Medicaid counts income only, not savings.
- Enroll any time — Medicaid has no open-enrollment window.
- Apply for kids regardless: children's limits run far higher than 138% FPL.
- Watch for the OBBBA work rules — 80 hours/month requirements phase in for expansion adults through Dec 31, 2026.
North Carolina adult income limits by household size (2026)
| Household size | Monthly limit (138% FPL) | Annual limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $22,020 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,868 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,704 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,376 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,212 |
| 7 | $5,755 | $69,060 |
| 8 | $6,408 | $76,896 |
Who qualifies for NC Medicaid
North Carolina expanded Medicaid on December 1, 2023: adults qualify up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Children qualify for NC Medicaid/NC Health Choice at higher income levels.
Seniors (65+) and people with disabilities qualify through separate, non-MAGI pathways — typically tied to the SSI rate of $994/month with a resource limit around $2,000 — and low-income Medicare beneficiaries can get help with premiums through Medicare Savings Programs.
How Medicaid interacts with other benefits
- SSI: an SSI award brings Medicaid automatically or via a streamlined process in North Carolina.
- SNAP: separate tests, one application — the same portal (epass.nc.gov) handles both.
- Marketplace: above 138% FPL, HealthCare.gov subsidies take over.
- Medicare: dual-eligible seniors get premium and cost-sharing help through Medicaid.
Where to apply
Apply through NC Medicaid (Division of Health Benefits) — online at epass.nc.gov or by phone at 888-245-0179. You can also apply through HealthCare.gov — Medicaid-eligible applications are forwarded to the state automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in North Carolina for 2026?
Adults qualify for NC Medicaid with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level: about $1,835 per month for one person and $3,795 for a family of four in 2026.
Does North Carolina Medicaid have an asset test?
Not for MAGI groups — adults under 138% FPL, children, and pregnant women face no asset limit. Asset limits (commonly $2,000 for an individual) still apply to aged/blind/disabled and long-term-care Medicaid.
Can children get Medicaid in North Carolina if parents earn too much?
Children qualify for NC Medicaid/NC Health Choice at higher income levels. There's no harm in applying — children are evaluated separately from adults.
Does SSI qualify me for Medicaid in North Carolina?
Yes — SSI recipients ($994/month federal rate in 2026) get Medicaid automatically or via a streamlined process in North Carolina.
Is there an enrollment deadline for Medicaid in North Carolina?
No. Medicaid enrollment is open year-round — you can apply any month, and coverage can start retroactively up to 3 months before your application in many cases.
How do I apply for Medicaid in North Carolina?
Apply online at epass.nc.gov, by phone at 888-245-0179, or through HealthCare.gov, which forwards Medicaid-eligible applications to the state.