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Child Health Insurance

Youth produced video helps teens talk with their parents about getting enrolled in NC's free or low-cost health insurance.

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We regret that the North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation is unable to answer application or eligibility questions about the Child Health Insurance--Health Check (Medicaid)/NC Health Choice program. You will need to contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) in the county where you live.

Health Check (Medicaid) and NC Health Choice for Children programs provide free or low cost health insurance to children and teens who qualify. This section has information about qualifying, benefits, and how to sign up.

Health Check (Medicaid) is North Carolina's Medicaid program for children. NC Health Choice is health insurance for children of working families who don't qualify for Health Check (Medicaid) but who may not be able to afford private insurance. The programs are funded by a combination of federal, state and county governments.

In this section you'll find information on:

Eligibility - Who can apply for Health Check and NC Health Choice (HC/NCHC)
Benefits - What services are covered
Cost
How to apply
After applying
Staying enrolled - Please note: HC/NCHC is not continuous coverage insurance. You must re-enroll each year to keep your child's coverage.
FAQs - Frequently asked questions from parents and caregivers
Other links - Organizations, agencies, and health information