The Family and Children’s Medicaid program assists families whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty level and families with dependent children with eligible medical expenses related to doctor or hospital bills and prescription drug medication for children under age 20, individuals through age 20, and pregnant women with or without children. The program assists with health care services such as hospital care, doctor/dentist visits, vision care, group home placement, mental health care, prescription drug co-pays and transportation to health care if necessary.

Our Vision
As Family and Children’s Medicaid team members, we are committed to working in partnership with medical providers within our communities to improve the overall health and well-being of our customers by maximizing access to quality and affordable health care.

Our Mission
Our staff will provide individual support and assistance to financially challenged individuals and families needing medical assistance through open communication with our customers and clients, identifying high quality and cost effective care, placing the needs of our customers first, and serving our customers with compassion and dignity.

I am here to apply for Medicaid services. What do I need to do?
Please take a number and wait to be called. A Customer Care representative (this is currently the reception desk workers so not sure if they will be called this) will place you on a list to be seen by a case worker.

Do I have to come to DSS to apply for service in person?
No. Mail-in applications are available for Family and Children’s Medicaid that can be completed at home and mailed back to us or you may bring it in to the agency. We can mail the application to you or give it to you while you are in agency.

Can I make an appointment to speak with a caseworker or do I have to come in to apply?
The Family & Children’s Medicaid team does not usually take appointments. However, exceptions are made for those that come in very late in the day and an intake worker is not able to see them that day.

What is the contact number that I need to call to make an appointment?
In Greensboro, the number is (336) 641-3000
In High Point, the number is (336) 845-7771

What are your hours of operation?
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

How can I find out if I’m eligible for Family and Children’s Medicaid?
Eligibility is based on a number of factors such as U.S. Citizenship, household income, the number of people in your family, the age of the children, medical need, and disability as well as other criteria which your caseworker will be able to discuss in detail with you.

Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid the same thing?
No, they are not the same thing. However, if you receive SSI, you are automatically covered for Medicaid.

Can I apply for Supplemental Security Income at the Department of Social Services?
No, you must apply at your local Social Security Office for Supplemental Security Income.

What documents do I need to bring with me to apply for service?
You are not required to bring any documents with you in order to apply; however, in order to process your application, bringing the following items may be required depending on which service you are applying for:
•Valid Picture ID
•Certified Birth certificates or other proof of citizenship/alien status for each individual applying for Medicaid
•Proof of residency for the state of North Carolina
•Social Security cards, Social Security numbers or proof that you have made an application applying for a number from Social Security
•Income verification for the month prior to month of application
•Most recent bank statement
•Current financial statements/award letters from other sources of income, such as social security, retirement benefits, pensions, veteran benefits, and child support

What is the expected wait time to apply in person?
The average agency wait time to apply/reapply for a program is 2-3 hours. A receptionist will be able to notify you of your place on the list, but they will not be able to give you an exact wait time.

Can I apply on-line for service?
No. Not at this time.

If I qualify for services, what is the expected time frame from submitting my application to receiving services?
The application processing time is 45 days from the date that a completed application is received. If all information to process the case has not been submitted, two requests are made 12 days apart to obtain this information. If the information to determine eligibility is not received after two requests, the case is denied and a letter of denial is sent to the customer. Once requested information has been received, the case is processed on or before the 45th day. A letter of approval is then sent to the customer. The cards should be received within 3 to 5 business days after the letter of approval goes out.

If I have a pending case and need to provide additional information, do I have to wait in the reception line to see someone in your office?
No, you do not have to wait. You may check in with the receptionist located behind the information desk and advise her/him that you need to see your case worker or if you are just dropping off information, you may use the agency drop box located in our lobby outside of the waiting area. Place your information in one of the available BLUE envelopes, seal with tape and date stamp the envelope with the date stamp provided.

If my Medicaid application is approved, what will happen?
A social worker will notify you that you have been approved by mail. Once this happens, your Medicaid card will be mailed from the state office in Raleigh 3-5 days from receipt of the letter from your local Dept of Social Services. This card is approved only for the month(s) listed under the VALID DATES on the card.

How will I get the next month’s Medicaid card?
As long as you are eligible, you will usually receive your card by the 8th of each month by mail.

Do I have to take the Medicaid Card with me each time I make a visit to the doctor?
Yes, you must take your current card with you each time you or a Medicaid recipient in your family goes to the doctor, hospital or any medical provider including the pharmacist. Your card is proof that you are covered just like insurance. If you don’t take the card, you may have to pay the full cost of the treatment or drug.

I have heard that the cards are different colors. Is that true and why?
Yes, the cards are different colors. A blue card means you have full Medicaid coverage, unless it states that you are "Eligible for Limited Family Planning Services Only." This will be printed on the card.
A pink card means you have coverage only for services related to your pregnancy.
A green means you are eligible for limited family planning services only.

Do I have to stand in line if I have to speak with my caseworker regarding an ACTIVE or PENDING case?
No, please do NOT take a number. The receptionist located behind the INFORMATION DESK will notify your case worker that you are in the agency and they will come out and speak with you.

What happens if I miss a deadline my caseworker has given me to provide additional information?
Please call your caseworker and reschedule. Please note that you may have to start the process over.

If I come in to apply but have to leave before I am able to see a caseworker, do I have to stand in line and start the process over or would I be able to make an appointment?
You do not have to start the process over as long as an application is signed the same date that you come in. Additionally, you can make an appointment prior to leaving by notifying someone at the reception desk that this is your request. However, please note that when you have an appointment, we may not be finished with the customers that were ahead of you on the day of your appointment so you still may still experience some wait time.