North Carolina’s Medicaid plan provides free or low-cost health insurance for Greensboro seniors who meet income and asset guidelines. Through the Personal Care Services Program (PCS), which is part of the regular state Medicaid program, qualifying seniors may receive services, such as bathing, dressing, eating, mobility and toileting help, provided in assisted living facilities covered.
To be eligible for Medicaid in Greensboro, seniors must be legal U.S. citizens and permanent residents of North Carolina. Single applicants may have an income of up to $1,041 and up to $2,000 in countable assets. Married applicants who are both applying to the program may have a monthly income of up to $1,409 and up to $3,000 in countable assets.
Those whose income or assets exceed these guidelines may still qualify for Medicaid through the Medically Needy Pathway. This program, which is also referred to as a spend-down program, allows those whose income is over the Medicaid limit to put their excess income toward medical expenses. Once their remaining income meets income limit, Medicaid covers the rest of their medical expenses.
Those who exceed both the income and asset limits but are unable to afford their medical expenses may receive services through Medicaid planning.
In addition to meeting these eligibility guidelines, seniors who wish to have assisted living services covered through the PCS program must have a medical condition, disability or cognitive impairment and need:
- Limited hands-on assistance with at least three activities of daily living
- Assistance with two activities of daily living, including extensive assistance with at least one activity
- Assistance with two activities of daily living, including one for which they’re fully dependent on assistance
Eligibility for the PCS program is determined by an assessment conducted by or on behalf of the
Division of Medical Assistance, and program participants receive only the services included in their individualized service plan.
North Carolina’s Medicaid program, including its PCS program, is an entitlement, meaning that all who qualify for services are guaranteed to receive them. To learn more about the state’s Medicaid program or to apply, seniors may
apply online or call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at (888) 245-0179.