Medicare and Medicaid Dual Eligibility in North Carolina 2026: Income Limits, Benefits & How to Apply

What Is Dual Eligibility?

Dual eligible beneficiaries are individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. In North Carolina, approximately 15% of Medicare beneficiaries are also enrolled in Medicaid. Dual eligible beneficiaries receive comprehensive coverage: Medicare covers hospital and medical services, while Medicaid covers additional services including long-term care, dental, vision, and hearing — services that Medicare does not cover. Medicaid also pays some or all of the Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments for dual eligible beneficiaries.

Medicare Savings Programs in North Carolina

Even if you do not qualify for full Medicaid, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) in North Carolina that helps pay your Medicare costs. There are four MSP levels:

Benefits of Full Dual Eligibility in North Carolina

Full dual eligible beneficiaries in North Carolina receive:

• $0 Medicare premiums — Medicaid pays your Part A and Part B premiums
• $0 Medicare deductibles and copayments — Medicaid covers your Medicare cost-sharing
• Extra Help for Part D — Automatic enrollment in the Low Income Subsidy, capping drug costs at $4.50-$11.20 per prescription
• Long-term care coverage — Medicaid covers nursing home care and home and community-based services that Medicare does not cover
• Additional services — Dental, vision, hearing, and transportation (varies by North Carolina Medicaid program)

How to Apply for Dual Eligibility in North Carolina

To apply for Medicaid in North Carolina and potentially qualify for dual eligibility, contact the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at 919-855-4100. You can also apply online through North Carolina’s Medicaid portal or through your local Department of Social Services office. If you already have Medicare, applying for Medicaid will not affect your Medicare coverage — it will only add benefits.

D-SNPs: Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans in North Carolina

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans specifically designed for dual eligible beneficiaries. In North Carolina, D-SNPs coordinate your Medicare and Medicaid benefits through a single plan, often with additional benefits like transportation, over-the-counter allowances, and care coordination. To find D-SNPs available in your county, use Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.