FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 8, 2023
Medicaid Expansion Launches in North Carolina, Approximately 6,000 Cleveland County Residents Newly Eligible
SHELBY, N.C- Starting Dec. 1, 2023, more people can now get health coverage in Cleveland County through Medicaid. Medicaid pays for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, mental health services, and more – at little or no cost to beneficiaries.
Medicaid expansion will cover uninsured individuals ages 19 through 64 years with higher incomes, closing the coverage gap for many North Carolinians. Residents, who may not have qualified before, may now be able to receive health care insurance through Medicaid.
Cleveland County residents may qualify for expanded coverage if they meet the following criteria:
- Age 19 through 64
- Are a citizen. Some non-U.S. citizens can get health care coverage through Medicaid.
- Have a household income that is below 138% of the federal poverty level - approximately $20,000 for a single adult or about $34,000 for a family of three.
Due to the high volume of anticipated applications, we encourage residents to apply online at epass.nc.gov. Residents can also mail, email, or fax a paper application by downloading a copy online or apply in person at the Cleveland County Department of Social Services (DSS), located at 200 S. Post Road in Shelby. Applications may take up to 45 days to process. To help expedite the process, you can:
- Apply online at ePASS and provide all the information requested. If the application is incomplete, it may take longer to process requiring DSS to follow up with the applicant.
- Keep contact information up-to-date in ePASS, to receive all important information about Medicaid benefits.
- Sign up for an enhanced ePASS account to keep information updated without having to contact the local DSS office.
For more information or to learn how to apply, please visit Medicaid.nc.gov.
12.8.23 PDF Press Release Link
Media contact:
Karyn Owens
Marketing and Communications Director
Cleveland County Government
704-484-4800
karyn.owens@clevelandcountync.gov