UNC Health Blue Ridge to hold free Medicaid sign-up event

UNC Health Blue Ridge and other community organizations are teaming up to hold an event to sign people up for Medicaid who qualify and need insurance.

The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at the Freedom High School Auxiliary Gym, located at 511 Independence Blvd., Morganton. The first 80 attendees will receive a free meal kit, according to UNC Health Blue Ridge.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-in appointments are also available. A Spanish interpreter will be at the event, according to information from UNC Health.

Medicaid is a health insurance program that pays for doctor visits, emergency care, dental care, mental health care, pregnancy and maternity care, prescription drugs and more – at little or no cost to the individual, UNC Health Blue Ridge said. Someone may be able to get health care coverage through NC Medicaid, even if they didn't qualify before, the health care system said.

As of Dec. 1, 2023, most people can get health care coverage through NC Medicaid if they:

Live in North CarolinaAre ages 19-64Are a U.S. citizen (some non-U.S. citizens can also get coverage)

Those who qualify should have a household income that falls within these guidelines:

Single Adults—$20,120 or lessFamily of 2—$27,214 or lessFamily of 3—$34,307 or lessFamily of 4—$41,400 or lessFamily of 5—$48,493 or lessFamily of 6—$55,586 or less

Those attending the event need to bring:

A photo ID or passportSocial security number or immigration documents, such as your social security card, military ID card or official document with social security number informationA copy of your VISA/immigration card may be needed for immigration statusProof of North Carolina residency (includes photo ID with NC address listed, utility bill, lease or mortgage agreement, vehicle registration or document of employment)Income information (includes paystubs, W-2 forms, tax returns or business records). If additional information is needed, you will receive a letter from your local Department of Social Services.

To learn more about who is eligible and what to bring to enroll, visit https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/northcarolinaexpands-medicaid.