Last verified 2026-08-08

North Carolina Medicaid: 2026 Income Limits and Moving In or Out

Moving TO North Carolina

NC Medicaid (North Carolina's Medicaid program) does not accept transferred cases from other states: every new North Carolina resident applies fresh through North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid). There is no waiting period tied to how recently you arrived — eligibility is decided on North Carolina's own income and household rules from the day you become a resident.

Leaving North Carolina

Leaving North Carolina ends your NC Medicaid (North Carolina's Medicaid program) case — no state will take it over. Close the case with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid) effective your move month, then apply in your destination state immediately after arriving.

Official agency: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid) ↗ (application page)

North Carolina Medicaid at a glance

Program name	NC Medicaid
ACA Medicaid expansion	Yes — adults covered on income
Adult income limit	138% of the federal poverty level
Processing	Agency-stated: DSS decision can take up to 45 days; disability applications up to 90 days

North Carolina Medicaid income limits for adults (2026)

North Carolina expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify without fitting a category such as disability or pregnancy. Federal law (Public Law 119-21) adds a work condition for most of these adults from January 1, 2027 (earlier in some states, and later only in a state granted an extension, which cannot run past 2028): they must show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training, or community service, unless they are exempt (for example, parents of a child 13 or under, pregnant people, and people with a disability). New applicants may have to show it for 1 to 3 consecutive months immediately preceding the month they apply.

Household size	Monthly income limit	Yearly income limit
1 person	$1,836	$22,025
2 people	$2,489	$29,864
3 people	$3,142	$37,702
4 people	$3,795	$45,540
5 people	$4,449	$53,379
6 people	$5,102	$61,217
7 people	$5,755	$69,056
8 people	$6,408	$76,894
Each additional person	+$654	+$7,839

Computed as 138% of the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (48 contiguous states and DC), rounded up to the dollar. North Carolina's own chart controls, and states often switch to the new year's guidelines partway through the year — so the agency's chart may still show lower 2025 figures.
The adult limit counts income under MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) rules. Children and pregnant people usually have higher limits; people 65+ or with a disability are assessed under different, non-MAGI rules that often include an asset test — ask the agency below.

Federal source: HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines (91 FR 1797) (published 2026-01-15)

How to apply for Medicaid in North Carolina

Apply with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid) online at epass.nc.gov, which runs the program as NC Medicaid. Go to the official application page ↗

Processing time: Agency-stated: DSS decision can take up to 45 days; disability applications up to 90 days.

Moving with more than one benefit? The relocation checklist orders every step for your move.

Common questions

What is the Medicaid income limit in North Carolina for 2026?

For adults, 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,836 a month for one person and $3,795 a month for a family of four in 2026. Children, pregnant people, and people 65+ or with a disability have separate limits.

Can I keep North Carolina Medicaid if I move to another state?

No. Medicaid covers residents only, so North Carolina coverage ends once you live elsewhere. Report the move to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid) and apply in your new state right away; eligibility there is decided on that state's own rules.

How do I apply for Medicaid in North Carolina?

Apply with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid) online at epass.nc.gov, which runs the program as NC Medicaid. Processing time: agency-stated: DSS decision can take up to 45 days; disability applications up to 90 days.

Who runs Medicaid in North Carolina?

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid), which runs the program as NC Medicaid. The official page and application link are cited below — always act through them.

Does North Carolina make new residents wait for Medicaid?

No state may impose a residency waiting period for Medicaid. You apply as soon as you live in North Carolina; eligibility is decided on North Carolina's own rules.

Where do I report that I'm leaving North Carolina?

Contact North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid) (official link below) to report the move and close your case effective your move month.

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Other benefits in North Carolina

Terms on this page: Federal poverty level (FPL) · Medicaid expansion · Retroactive Medicaid coverage

Official sources

Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified 2026-08-08.

NC Medicaid — How to apply — accessed 2026-08-08
NC Medicaid expansion — accessed 2026-08-08

Written by Benefits Transfer Editorial Team

Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor

Last verified 2026-08-08