When you head downtown on Mar. 16 to sample fare from food trucks during the International Food Festival, you may come away having learned a little something about the state’s Medicaid Expansion and how it affects you.

It took North Carolina a long time to get on board with Medicaid expansion, but it finally cleared the last hurdles in December 2023.

Adults between 19 and 64 who earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line – that single adults earning about $20,000 and families of three earning about $34,000 a year – may be eligible.

Representatives from Maria Parham Health will be available on the resource fair side of the food festival to share information to individuals who may qualify for Medicaid. There will be Medicaid Expansion advocates on site to provide more information about eligibility.

Of course, the best way is to apply online through ePASS or HealthCare.gov, but you can also apply in-person, by phone or by mailing paper applications via the U.S. Postal Service. The processing time for applications can be up to 45 days; applications submitted online may be processed faster.

Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage, including services like primary care, hospital stays, maternity care, vision and hearing, dental/oral health care and more.

It pays for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, mental health and more – at little or no cost to you.