Health Insurance

Find information about Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability, and other resources about health insurance.

Medicare

Medicare is a health insurance program for:

• People 65 years old or older
• People under 65 years old with certain disabilities
• People on kidney dialysis, regardless of age

There are several parts to Medicare. Visit the Medicare website for more information.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income people and their families. Each state has different rules about who is eligible for services and what services are covered.

You can apply for Medicaid through ePASS, at your local county Department of Social Services or by mail. To complete the required Medicaid eligibility screening, or for Medicaid application assistance, contact your local county department of social services or call (984) 974-0950.

More information is available on UNC Health Financial Assistance Program

N.C. Navigator Consortium

If you do not have insurance and are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, contact the N.C. Navigator Consortium to get help enrolling in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace health insurance.

Open enrollment times vary, but you may be eligible to enroll during other times of the year if you have experienced a “qualifying life event,” such as losing coverage, getting married, turning 26, or moving.

Social Security Disability

Visit the US Social Security Administration website for detailed information about how to apply and the appeals process.

For Seniors

The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)

If you’re a senior, The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counsels Medicare beneficiaries about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and long-term care insurance.

Benefits Check Up

BenefitsCheckUp is a free service of the National Council on Aging. The service team monitors the benefits landscape for updates and changes to policies and programs. They match your unique needs to benefit programs and eligibility requirements using their comprehensive tool.

Additional Resources

Understanding Health Insurance — American Cancer Society
Provides information and links regarding Health Insurance Options, Managing Your Health Insurance, and Health Insurance Laws.

In addition, this site also links to health insurance websites like Healthcare.gov, the Foundation for Health Coverage Education, a Health Insurance Eligibility Quiz, and the Health Insurance Assistance Service.

Cancer Insurance Checklist – Cancer Support Community
Provides a worksheet for you to record and keep information on each health insurance plan you have or are considering regarding different plans, coverage, costs related to your cancer care.

Making Sense of Insurance Matters – Patient Resource Publishing
Provides information on, coverage basics, out of pocket expenses, filing claims, and appealing denials.