North Carolina Health Choice for Children
North Carolina
What is North Carolina Health Choice for Children?
NC Health Choice for Children provides health coverage to nearly eight million children and families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but can't afford private coverage.
In some states, CHIP covers parents and pregnant women. Each state offers CHIP coverage, and works closely with its state Medicaid program. Please note: These programs may be called by different names in your state.
Some benefits covered through CHIP, include:
- Routine check-ups
- Immunizations
- Doctor visits
- Prescriptions
- Dental and vision care
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Emergency services
Administration
North Carolina Health Choice for Children is administered by North Carolina.
Program Requirements
Qualification Requirements Last Updated on 2025-03-01
To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of North Carolina and meet all of the following:
- Either 18 years of age and under or a primary care giver with a child(ren) 18 years of age and under, and
- A U.S. Citizen, National, or a Non-Citizen legally admitted into the U.S, and
- Uninsured (and ineligible for Medicaid).
In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $30,120 |
| 2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
Application Details
What is the application process for North Carolina Health Choice for Children?
Applications (in English or Spanish) for this program are available in many different locations including county social services departments, local health departments, and on the Apply for Medicaid or Health Choice Web site.
It is a simple application form, which may be submitted to your county social services department by mail. The form plus any required enrollment fee would begin the application process. This application form can be mailed or taken to your county social services department. Each application will first be reviewed to see if the child is eligible for Medicaid and, if not, then reviewed to see if the child is eligible for NC Health Choice for Children. If the child is found to be eligible for NC Health Choice for Children, the application will be processed and the parents will receive a health card, a benefits booklet and instructions in the mail. Once parents are notified, the child is eligible to receive care. Unlike Medicaid, the NC Health Choice for Children program is limited by the amount of funds that are available. Therefore, it is open only to children on a first come, first served basis. Once the program is full, a waiting list will be taken, so it is in the best interest of the child to enroll as soon as it is possible.
If you would like help filling out the application, call or visit your department of social services in the county where you live. You can find the address and phone number in your phone book under County Government or by calling the North Carolina Family Health Resource Line at: 1-800-367-2229
Contact Info
1-800-367-2229