How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in NC?
Asked by: Melany Eichmann | Last update: June 18, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (31 votes)
How long does it take to get a Medicaid decision?
In general, a state Medicaid agency must make a fair hearing decision and implement it within 90 days of receiving a fair hearing request. As states continue to transition back to normal operations after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the fair hearing process may take longer than 90 days.
How do I check the status of my NC Medicaid application?
NCTracks also offers a Secure Recipient Portal where you can check your eligibility status with Medicaid, Health Choice, Public Health, and the Office of Rural Health and Community Care.
Does NC Medicaid back pay?
This is important because you can request that your Medicaid coverage be retroactive for up to three months from the application date. So, if you apply in March and you are eligible, Medicaid can pay bills for covered services from December, January and February.
How can I speed up my Medicaid process?
You can generally speed up your Medicaid application review process by making sure you completely fill out your application and include all required paperwork. If you fail to do this, your review could take longer. Keep in mind that once you're approved and enrolled, your eligibility will be reviewed every year.
Medicaid Eligibility - Medicaid Income and Asset Limits – 2024
Why am I being denied Medicaid?
The most common reason an applicant is denied Medicaid is income or assets above the eligibility criteria. In most states in 2025, an applicant's monthly income must be less than $2,901/month, and their assets (including money in bank accounts) must be less than $2,000.
How long does it take to get approved for Medicare?
Key Points. When applying during your Initial Enrollment Period, it may take about six weeks to get approval for your application. During a Special Enrollment Period, it can take at least 8 weeks or more to receive approval.
Does NC Medicaid check your bank account?
Upon applying for Medicaid, the program conducts an initial financial assessment. This assessment thoroughly reviews your financial status and bank accounts to determine if you meet the asset and income criteria.
What is the NC Medicaid income limit?
Under the expanded eligibility guidelines, Medicaid is available in North Carolina to a single adult with annual income up to about $20,782 in 2024 (this is 138% of the federal poverty level), and to adults in a family of three with a household income up to about $35,631/year.
How often does Medicaid check your bank account?
Medicaid agencies can check your account balances for bank accounts at any financial institution you've used in the past five years. They will check when you submit an application and on an annual basis, but checks can occur at any time.
How long does it take to be approved for Medicaid in NC?
After you apply
Be sure your address and phone number are correct on your application. It can take up to 45 days for the Department of Social Services (DSS) to decide if you qualify for NC Medicaid. Disability applications can take up to 90 days.
How do I know if my Medicaid benefits are active?
Once you've applied for Medicaid, it can take up to 90 days for your state agency to determine your eligibility. In the meantime, you can check the status of your account online, over the phone, or in person at your local Medicaid office.
What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?
- Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
- Long-term care.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
Can you rush a Medicaid application?
While federal law gives Medicaid agencies 45 days (90 days for applications based on disability) to review and approve or deny one's Medicaid application, there are some circumstances in which the eligibility determination may be expedited.
What does Medicaid not cover?
Though Medicaid covers a wide range of services, there are limitations on certain types of care, such as infertility treatments, elective abortions, and some types of alternative medicine. For example, the federal government lists family planning as a mandatory service benefit, but states interpret this differently.
How much money can you have in the bank on Medicaid in NC?
In 2025, a single Medicaid Nursing Home applicant in North Carolina must meet the following criteria: 1) Income under the Medicaid pay rate (est. to be between $8,004 / month and $11,093 / month). 2) Assets under $2,000 3) Require a Nursing Home Level of Care.
What are the four types of Medicaid?
- State-operated fee-for-service (FFS)
- Primary care case management (PCCM)
- Comprehensive risk-based managed care (MCO model)
- Limited-benefit plans.
What documents are needed for Medicaid in NC?
- Full legal name.
- Date of birth.
- Social Security number (or immigration documents)
- North Carolina residency.
- Income information (from paystubs, W-2 forms, tax returns or business records)
Does Medicaid verify income?
Some states use a computerized system to cross reference a Medicaid applicant's reported income. For instance, in California, an electronic database, the Income Eligibility Verification System (IEVS), is used to match the income information provided by the applicant to other databases to verify it is accurate.
Does the government track my bank account?
The IRS probably already knows about many of your financial accounts, and the IRS can get information on how much is there. But, in reality, the IRS rarely digs deeper into your bank and financial accounts unless you're being audited or the IRS is collecting back taxes from you.
How will I know if my Medicare application is approved?
People may also check on their application status by logging into their My Medicare account. Once Medicare processes an application, it sends a letter notifying the person whether or not they are accepted. It also sends a Medicare card to accepted applicants.
Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?
People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.