North Carolina Health Insurance 2026
Your complete guide to health insurance options in North Carolina — Medicaid eligibility, ACA Marketplace plans, enrollment deadlines, and key resources.
North Carolina at a Glance
What You Need to Know
- →North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023 — one of the last states to do so
- →Expansion covers approximately 600,000 additional North Carolinians
- →NC uses healthcare.gov for Marketplace enrollment
- →No state individual mandate penalty
How to Enroll
Frequently Asked Questions
When did North Carolina expand Medicaid?
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, becoming one of the last states to adopt ACA Medicaid expansion. The expansion extended coverage to adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $20,783/year for a single person in 2026) — an estimated 600,000 additional North Carolinians became eligible.
How do I apply for NC Medicaid?
Apply for NC Medicaid online at epass.nc.gov, by phone at 1-888-245-0179, or in person at your local Department of Social Services office. Applications can be submitted year-round.
Where do North Carolina residents shop for ACA plans?
NC residents use the federal marketplace at healthcare.gov during Open Enrollment (November 1 – January 15). With Medicaid expansion now in effect, more residents qualify for free Medicaid — check your eligibility at healthcare.gov before paying for a Marketplace plan.