NC Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Expansion, Aged and Disabled, and MQB
Reviewed October 5, 2026. North Carolina Medicaid income limits depend on which group you qualify under. Adults ages 19 to 64 can qualify through NC Medicaid expansion with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, which is about $1,835 a month for one person or $3,795 a month for a family of four using the 2026 poverty guidelines. For people who are 65 or older, blind or disabled, NC’s official chart effective April 1, 2026 lists a $1,330 monthly limit for one person ($1,804 for two) and a $2,000 resource limit ($3,000 for two).
Quick answer: Apply online through ePASS (epass.nc.gov), at your county Department of Social Services, or by phone. The NC Medicaid Contact Center is 888-245-0179, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting January 1, 2027, many adults 19 to 64 must also meet a work or community engagement requirement and renew every six months.
NC Medicaid expansion income limits (adults 19-64)
North Carolina expanded Medicaid on December 1, 2023, to cover adults ages 19 to 64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. The table applies 138% to the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (Federal Register). NC’s own aged and disabled chart uses the 2026 guideline starting April 1, 2026, so these Medicare365 calculations line up with the figures NC uses; confirm your exact limit with your county DSS.
| Household size | Monthly income limit (138% FPL) | Yearly income limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,863 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,378 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,217 |
| 7 | $5,755 | $69,055 |
| 8 | $6,408 | $76,894 |
For each additional person, add about $653 a month. Income is counted using modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), the same method used for Marketplace coverage. Children and pregnant women qualify at higher income levels than expansion adults.
NC Medicaid for aged, blind and disabled (MAABD), effective April 1, 2026
| Program | Monthly income, 1 person | Monthly income, 2 people | Resource limit (1 / 2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI-related categorically needy | $994 | $1,491 | $2,000 / $3,000 |
| Non-SSI categorically needy (100% FPL) | $1,330 | $1,804 | $2,000 / $3,000 |
| Medically needy income level | $242 | $317 | $2,000 / $3,000 |
| Health Care for Workers with Disabilities | $1,995 (150%) to $2,660 (200%) | See NC chart | See NC chart |
Source: NC DHB-5179 MAABD eligibility overview chart. The medically needy level is low because people in that group qualify by subtracting medical bills from their income. See how the Medicaid spend down works.
Medicare Savings Programs in North Carolina (MQB)
If you have Medicare, North Carolina’s Medicare Savings Programs, called MQB, can pay your Part B premium and sometimes your deductibles and coinsurance. NC lists these 2026 monthly income limits:
| Program | 1 person | 2 people | What it pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| MQB-Q (QMB, up to 100% FPL) | $1,330 | $1,804 | Part B premium, deductibles and coinsurance |
| MQB-B (SLMB, 100-120% FPL) | $1,330.01 to $1,596 | $1,804.01 to $2,164 | Part B premium |
| MQB-E (QI, 120-135% FPL) | $1,596.01 to $1,796 | $2,164.01 to $2,435 | Part B premium |
Learn more in our guide to Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help, which you automatically get if you qualify for an MSP.
What’s changing for NC Medicaid in 2026-27
NC Medicaid lists these federal changes (NC Medicaid):
- October 1, 2026: stricter eligibility for many non-citizens.
- January 1, 2027: adults 19 to 64 must work, go to school or volunteer 80 hours a month, or have household earnings of at least $580 a month, unless an exception applies, such as a disability, caring for young children or pregnancy.
- January 1, 2027: most adults 19 to 64 get only one month of retroactive coverage before they apply, down from three months.
- Renewals every six months instead of every year for working-age adults.
Read what the 2025 Medicaid changes mean nationally and how Medicaid renewal works.
How to apply for NC Medicaid
- Online: apply through ePASS at epass.nc.gov. See how to sign in to your state Medicaid portal.
- In person: visit your county Department of Social Services.
- By phone or mail: contact your county DSS, or call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 888-245-0179 for help.
- Send proof of income, identity and residency when asked.
- Choose a health plan after approval if you’re enrolled in NC Medicaid Managed Care.
Need help with a notice or bill? The NC Medicaid Ombudsman offers free help at 1-877-201-3750.
Frequently asked questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in NC?
For adults 19 to 64 under expansion, up to 138% of the federal poverty level, about $1,835 a month for one person in 2026. For aged, blind and disabled Medicaid, $1,330 a month for one person (effective April 1, 2026).
Does North Carolina have Medicaid expansion?
Yes. NC expanded Medicaid on December 1, 2023, for adults 19 to 64 with income up to 138% of the poverty level.
What is the asset limit for NC Medicaid?
Expansion adults don’t have an asset test. For aged, blind and disabled Medicaid, the resource limit is $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for a couple.
How do I apply for Medicaid in North Carolina?
Apply online at epass.nc.gov, at your county DSS, or by phone or mail. Call 888-245-0179 for help.
Will I need to work to keep NC Medicaid?
Starting January 1, 2027, many adults 19 to 64 must show 80 hours a month of work, school or volunteering, or $580 in monthly earnings, unless they qualify for an exception.
This article is general information and includes Medicare365’s calculations from federal poverty guidelines. It isn’t an eligibility decision. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by NC DHHS or any U.S. government agency.