How to Sign Up

Application

There are different ways to apply for Health Coverage for Workers with Disabilities (HCWD):

• Online using North Carolina ePASS. North Carolina ePASS lets you apply for other programs, like Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) or Work First (WF), at the same time. Note: On the ePASS website, NC Medicaid is called "Medical Assistance."
• In person at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office. You can also call them to apply over the phone.
• Using a paper application and faxing or mailing it in to your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office.
• Online using HealthCare.gov, an online one-stop shop where you can learn about your public and private coverage options.

No matter how you apply, it is important to know that if you are not eligible for HCWD, you may be able to get private insurance subsidized by the government.

Note: If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or are on SSI 1619(b), you don’t need to apply for HCWD, because you’ll get NC Medicaid coverage automatically and won’t have to pay a premium.

Retroactive Coverage

When you apply for HCWD, you can ask to have your coverage begin up to three months before the month you apply, as long as you were also eligible for HCWD in those months. So if you apply for HCWD in April but have unpaid medical bills from the previous three months (January, February, and March), you could have HCWD pay for those medical bills. You'll just have to pay the premium for each retroactive month.

Staying on NC Medicaid

Usually, once you are approved for HCWD, you continue to qualify as long as your situation does not change. HCWD will check your eligibility every 12 months. If your income, immigration status, residency, disability status, or household size changes, or you turn 65, update your information with your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office within 10 days. You can also use North Carolina ePASS to report changes to your situation if you sign up for an Enhanced Account.

When you report your changes, your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office or the ePASS site will tell you whether you will continue getting HCWD and if your premium will change.

Job Loss

To be on HCWD, you must be employed. But if you stop working, talk to your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office: You may be able to keep getting HCWD for up to 12 months while you look for new work, or you may qualify for another NC Medicaid program.

Medically Improved

If you are no longer determined disabled, you may be able to keep getting HCWD. It depends on if you are considered "medically improved." To be considered medically improved, you must still have the same disabling condition, be getting treatment for your condition, and be likely to be determined disabled again if you stopped getting treatment.

Medical Leave

If you go on medical leave from work, using either Family Medical Leave or short-term disability insurance, you will continue to be covered by HCWD.