North Carolina Medicaid · 2026
North Carolina Medicaid income limitsWho qualifies in 2026 — and your options if you don’t.
In North Carolina, most adults can qualify for North Carolina Medicaid with income up to about $21,597 a year (one person). Check your household below — and if you don't qualify, we'll help you find coverage that fits.
Medicaid eligibility estimator
See what you may qualify for.
Answer three quick questions for a free estimate. If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, we’ll help you find what you do — in one call.
This is a general estimate based only on what you enter — not a determination of eligibility, an application, or an offer of coverage. Only your state Medicaid agency can determine Medicaid eligibility. CoverageCo is a licensed insurance agency, not a government agency.
North Carolina Medicaid income limits (2026)
Estimated North Carolina Medicaid income limits for adults, by household size — based on 138% of the 2026 federal poverty level.
| Household size | Annual income | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,597 | $1,800 |
| 2 people | $29,187 | $2,432 |
| 3 people | $36,777 | $3,065 |
| 4 people | $44,367 | $3,697 |
| 5 people | $51,957 | $4,330 |
| 6 people | $59,547 | $4,962 |
| 7 people | $67,137 | $5,595 |
| 8 people | $74,727 | $6,227 |
Estimates based on 2026 federal poverty guidelines (138% of FPL). Children and pregnant women often qualify at higher limits. Confirm current figures with North Carolina Medicaid.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid
North Carolina adopted Medicaid expansion, so North Carolina Medicaid covers most adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, regardless of whether they have children. If your income is above that line, you may still qualify for private Marketplace coverage with financial help.
Good to know: North Carolina adopted Medicaid expansion in December 2023.
How to apply for Medicaid in North Carolina
- 1Gather income and household details for everyone applying — applying for Medicaid is free and open year-round.
- 2Apply through North Carolina Medicaid, North Carolina's Medicaid agency, online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
- 3If you're found ineligible for Medicaid, North Carolina's Health Insurance Marketplace — HealthCare.gov (HealthCare.gov) — is where many people get covered with financial help. A licensed agent can check what you'd pay and enroll you.
Denied Medicaid in North Carolina, or over the limit?
Don’t leave it there. Many North Carolina residents who don’t qualify for North Carolina Medicaidcan still get covered — often with financial help that lowers the cost. A licensed agent will find your options and handle the paperwork with you. It costs nothing to talk.
North Carolina Medicaid — questions & answers
What is the income limit for Medicaid in North Carolina in 2026?
In North Carolina, most adults can qualify for North Carolina Medicaid with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level — about $21,597 a year for one person and roughly $44,367 for a household of four. Children and pregnant women often qualify at higher limits. These are estimates; your state agency confirms the exact figures.
Did North Carolina expand Medicaid?
Yes. North Carolina adopted Medicaid expansion, which covers most low-income adults up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
I lost my North Carolina Medicaid — what can I do?
Losing Medicaid (including for missed renewal paperwork) can open a Special Enrollment Period to get Marketplace coverage, often with financial help that lowers your monthly cost. Timing matters, so it's worth calling a licensed agent quickly to review your options.
Is CoverageCo part of North Carolina Medicaid or the government?
No. The Coverage Company is a private, licensed insurance agency. We are not North Carolina Medicaid, Medicaid, or any government agency, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government program.
Medicaid in other states
Sources: 2025 U.S. federal poverty guidelines (HHS); Medicaid.gov; KFF Status of State Medicaid Expansion Decisions; North Carolina Medicaid (North Carolina Medicaid); and North Carolina’s Health Insurance Marketplace, HealthCare.gov. Figures are estimates for general reference — confirm current limits with your state Medicaid agency.
Important disclosures
The Coverage Company (“CoverageCo”) is a private, licensed insurance agency. This website is not Medicaid, Medicare, HealthCare.gov, or any federal or state government program, and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency.
The eligibility estimator and any figures shown are for general education only. They are based on the limited information you provide and published federal poverty guidelines, are not guaranteed to be current, and are not a determination of eligibility, an application, or an offer of coverage. Only your state Medicaid agency can determine Medicaid eligibility. If you contact us, a state-licensed insurance agent may help you review private coverage options; enrollment in any plan is subject to eligibility and the plan’s terms.