Health coverage: Marketplace, NC Medicaid, and community health centers

Theory

HealthCare.gov says lawfully present newcomers can buy Marketplace coverage, and moving to the US from abroad can qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, generally 60 days from the move. NC Medicaid covers residents ages 19 to 64 with household income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level who meet its citizenship or eligible-status rules. Community health centers offer sliding-fee discounts based on income and family size.

Method

1. Check whether you have a job offer with health insurance. If not, look at the Marketplace right after you arrive, within the Special Enrollment window.
2. Check NC Medicaid eligibility and apply online through ePASS, through HealthCare.gov, or at your county DSS. Rules are changing, so read the current eligibility page.
3. Find a community health center: Amplify Health (formerly Advance Community Health) in Raleigh, Lincoln Community Health Center in Durham, and Piedmont Health Services, with sites including Carrboro and Chapel Hill. HRSA's tool finds others.
4. Ask about the sliding fee discount program and bring proof of income and household size.

Action: your next block

• Write down your move date and count 60 days forward.
• Save one community health center's number in your phone.