Welfare Info

North Carolina Health Choice for Children

As of October 1998, families who have a total household income that is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford rising health insurance premiums are able to get free or reduced price comprehensive health care for their children. The new...

What is North Carolina Health Choice for Children?

As of October 1998, families who have a total household income that is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford rising health insurance premiums are able to get free or reduced price comprehensive health care for their children. The new plan, NC Health Choice for Children, provides the same coverage provided for the children of state employees and teachers.
NC Health Choice for Children is a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers not only hospitalization but also outpatient care. Benefits include: sick visits; checkups; hospital care; counseling; prescriptions; dental care; eye exams and glasses; hearing exams and hearing aids; and other related services. Find out today if your child or children are eligible for benefits.

Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of North Carolina, under 19 years of age, not covered by health insurance (including Medicaid), a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident.

 

 

 

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 $24,280
2 $32,920
3 $41,560
4 $50,200
5 $58,840
6 $67,480
7 $76,120
8 $84,760

*For households with more than eight people, add $8,640 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

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