The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall tomorrow, Tuesday, May 7, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss Medicaid expansion resources, who is newly eligible, and how to apply for health coverage.

Event participants include:

  • Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D., State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer, NCDHHS
  • Brenda Jackson, Director, Cumberland County Department of Social Services
  • Hollis Smith, Medicaid Expansion Outreach and Education Coordinator, Care Share Health Alliance

North Carolina Medicaid now covers more people ages 19 through 64 years. Many people who now qualify for Medicaid under expansion work in childcare centers, grocery stores, nursing homes, clothing stores, restaurants and other industries who may not have comprehensive health insurance through their jobs. People who did not qualify for Medicaid in the past may now be eligible, including those who are single or do not have children.

Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss the following:

  •  Who is eligible for Medicaid
  • Ways to apply for health care coverage
  • How to connect with a health care navigator who can help you apply
  • Where to find Medicaid resources and support

While more than two out of three newly eligible North Carolinians have already enrolled in Medicaid, nearly 200,000 who may be eligible have not yet applied. The NCDHHS Medicaid expansion website provides information on eligibility, how to apply and where to find support. Individuals can also connect with state and local support teams to better understand their health care coverage options, complete Medicaid applications and navigate enrollment.

The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook, X (Twitter) and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 103378#.

Those joining the event will have the opportunity to ask questions about Medicaid expansion, eligibility and enrollment.