LOW COST INSURANCE PROGRAMS

A variety of low-cost insurance programs exists to pay for the health care needs of families who qualify. Medicaid and North Carolina Health Choice are two of the largest programs and cover a range of services.

MEDICAID www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dma/medicaid/index.htm

            Medicaid is a health insurance program for families and individuals whose income makes it difficult for them to afford health care.  It is a publicly funded program governed by federal and state laws.

NORTH CAROLINA HEALTHCHOICE http://statehealthplan.state.nc.us/nc-healthchoice.html

            North Carolina Health Choice (NCHC) is North Carolinas health insurance program for children under 19 who have no health insurance and whose family income prevents them from affording health care, but who are ineligible for Medicaid. NCHC is coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, but it is administered through social services because it is a publicly funded program governed by federal and state laws. This program can end or be frozen when funds are depleted.

Application Information

            Both programs are administered by the Department of Social Services in the county which you reside. You may download applications from the above websites, or the Social Services website of the county where you live, or call Social Services and have an application mailed to you. Following is a list of our closest county resources.

Alamance County www.alamance-nc.com 336-227-0101

Chatham County www.chathamnc.org/publichealth       919542-8220

Durham County www.durhamcountync.gov/departments/phth  919-560-7600

Orange County www.co.orange.nc.us/health 919-732-8181