Applying for Medicaid
Call the main Department of Social Services office and follow the prompts to the Medicaid staff.
Phone: 704-336-3000
Website: Start Application Over The Phone
ePass is an official government website of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. With an ePass account, you can apply for Medicaid, food stamps (FNS), energy assistance, and more. Scroll on the website below and click on information for medical assistance. Applications in 15+ languages besides English. Paper applications are available to print as well.
Website: EPASS
Drop off a completed application at a physical location of the Department of Social Services in Mecklenburg County. Fill out and print application on website below. You may also mail the application.
Drop-off Addresses:
Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center – 430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, NC 28213
Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center – 3205 Freedom Drive Suite 1000, Charlotte, NC 28208
Wallace H. Kuralt Center – 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
FInding coverage for you and your family depends on several factors, such as how much money you make or whether you have a job that offers it. Finding coverage that covers what you need for a cost you can afford can be confusing, but that’s why we’re here. They have specialists that can help you try and find a plan that fits your specific needs.
Phone: 1-855-733-3711
Website: NC Navigator
Email: [email protected]
Applying for Medicare
If you are 65 years old or older, you are eligible to apply for Medicare Parts A and/or B. Applications can be done online through the Social Security Administration’s website. Note that you may choose to apply for both parts A and B at once, or apply only for part A or part B. Scroll down on the webpage below to find details on both options.
Website: Medicare
Call the Social Security Administration during business hours, Monday- Friday, from 7AM – 7PM. You may speak to someone in English, Spanish, or other languages. There is also a teletype writer (TTY) phone number for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Phone: +1 800-772-1213
Deaf and hard of hearing line: +1 800-325-0778
Using the link below, you may type in your zip code and locate the nearest Social Security Administration office and their phone number. It is always a good idea to call before visiting to make sure someone is there to help you and you have the necessary documents to apply.
Free/Low-Cost Medical Clinics
Serves people who don’t have insurance and the homeless by providing medical and dental care. Part of the Cook Community Clinic and conveniently located for North Mecklenburg County residents. Find information on eligibility at the link below.
Address: 14230 Hunters Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Phone: 704-316-6611
Website: Eligibility/Start: Cook Community Clinic
Serves people who do not have Medicaid (Family Planning Medicaid does not disqualify), Medicare, VA, Marketplace insurance, or private insurance. Patients must also fall in the age requirement and the Federal Poverty Guidelines of the current year. Becoming a patient requires an application that can be completed at the link below.
Address: 196 S. Trade St., Matthews, NC 28105
Website: Matthews Free Medical Clinic
Phone: 704-841-8882
A mobile van that has two different locations in Huntersville, N.C. that has a wide variety of services. Offers treatment for short-term health problems, like the flu and strep throat, long-lasting diseases, like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and arthritis, and minor injuries, like sprains and cuts. Services are not free but low-income patients may qualify for Atrium’s financial assistance program. Call to schedule an appointment.
Address: View website
Phone: 704-468-0135
Website: Care Everywhere
Offers services for the uninsured on a sliding scale and those insured with Medicare, Medicaid, or private plans. Services include medical care, dentistry, mental health services, substance use disorder services, and HIV specialty care. They also offer case management and transportation to appointments among other things.
Address: View locations
Phone: 866-299-4968
Website: CW Williams Clinic
Offers medical and behavioral health care to Medicaid and Medicare patients, the uninsured, and those with private insurance plans. Dental care is offered at a separate address.
Address: 8401 Medical Plaza Dr., Suite 300, Charlotte
Phone: 704-316-6561
Website: English Website o Sitio Web en Español
Offers medical and behavioral health care to Medicaid and Medicare patients, the uninsured, and those with private insurance plans. Dental care is offered at a separate address.
Address: 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208 (Westerly Hills, West Charlotte area near airport)
Phone: 704-316-6561
Website: English Website o Sitio Web en Español
Offers medical and counseling services to the uninsured and the underinsured. Services are available by application for medical care and waitlist for counseling. Please call or check the website to see if the clinic is accepting new patients.
Phone: 704-910-5810
A free chronic care clinic that focuses on the treatment, management, and prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension.
The organization’s webpage is not current so please call for more information.
Phone: 704-373-3002
Offers a variety of services for anyone. There is no income or residence requirement, nor an application process to become a patient. Visits are low cost and lab tests are additional charges. Insurance of any kind is not accepted. If you cannot afford the costs, Care Ring offers a program called “Physicians Reach Out (PRO)” that does have eligibility requirements.
Address: 601 E. 5th Street, Suite 140, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 704-375-0172
Website: Care Ring Low-Cost Clinic
Free/Low-Cost Dentistry Clinics
Costs $35 for each of the following services: x-rays, oral prophylaxis (plaque and tartar removal), non-surgical periodontal therapy, coronal polishing, fluoride treatment, and arid sealants. Provided by the dental hygienists in training at Central Piedmont Community College. Not meant to replace going to the dentist.
Address: 1335 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: 704-330-6704
Website: CPCC Dental Clinic
Provides free dental care to the underserved residents ages 18+ of Mecklenburg County. Because of gratitude toward the men and women who serve our country, they also see all military veterans and their spouses regardless of income or residency. There are income requirements for eligibility. Call for appointments.
Address: 7839 Idlewild Rd., Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: 704-778-1204
Website: Agape Dental Ministry
Dental clinic equipped to handle a wide range of dental issues at affordable prices. Dental services are not free, but C.W. accepts Medicaid and provides services to those who do not have insurance coverage. They offer a sliding fee scale for those without insurance that is based on household income. The clinic is open to the public, but appointments are required.
Address: See website for locations.
Phone: 866-299-4968
Website: CW Williams Dental Clinic
Provides routine cleanings and dental exams. Sliding scale available. Must apply for financial screening with CCHC for sliding scale and to be a patient at CCHC. Accepts Medicaid and some private insurance plans as well.
Address: 5301 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208 Inside Goodwill Opportunity Campus
Website: CCHC Dental
A national company that offers affordable dentures, dental care, implants, and more through financing, Medicaid, and private major dental insurance plans. Visit their website for more information on paying for dentures and becoming a patient. Find the location closest to you.
Phone: 1-855-554-1498
Website: Affordable Dentures Services
Creates smiles by promoting proper brushing and flossing and comprehensive dental treatment for uninsured and underinsured children ages 1-17. Patients must show proof of residence and income verification at registration. Hours of operations and forms are (available in English and Spanish) at the link below. Appointments are required.
Address: 1801 Rozzelles Ferry Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Phone: 980-314-9600
Website: Meckdental for Children 1-17
Email: [email protected]
A facility of Carolinas Medical Center. Some Atrium Health patients who demonstrate need may qualify for financial assistance after services. You may call the price estimation hotline at 704-355-0900 and find info about financial assistance from Atrium Health by clicking here.
Address: 1000 Blythe Blvd. Annex Building 2nd Floor, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-355-2165
Free or Low Cost Medicine Programs
Provides medications to residents in all 100 counties of North Carolina. No matter where you are, this organization will help with medications if you do not have insurance and fall below 300% of the national poverty level. They can help those with Medicaid on a limited basis. They also offer free over-the-counter (OTC) meds.
Phone: 866-331-1348
Website: NC Med Assist
Email: [email protected]
A list of generic medications available for purchase at heavily discounted prices. Prices start at $4 for 30-day prescriptions, and $10 for 90-day supplies, with no insurance necessary to save.
For more information and a list of included prescriptions, visit Walmart $4 Program.
If you are having trouble finding a medicine program or need more specific help, NC 2-1-1 call specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The call is free, confidential, and available in any language. The phone line is a general inquiry line that can connect you to the resources you need most.
Phone: 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162
A program sponsored by drug companies, doctors, patient advocacy organizations, and civic groups. It helps low-income, uninsured patients get free or low-cost, brand-name medications directly from the pharmaceutical company.
Contact your doctor’s office to see if they participate in the program.
Note that Medicaid Insurance may also assist with prescription medication costs.
STI Resources
If you think you may have an STI, or want a routine test, etc., the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department offers free, confidential testing services. Call the counseling number if you have questions about testing or call the second number to make an appointment. Visit the website below for locations.
Phone: Counselor 704-432-TEST (8378) or Appointments 704-336-6500
Website: STI Testing Through Health Department
Email: Health@MeckNC.gov
If you test positive for an STI, the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department offers free treatment. If you did not test with the health department, call to speak to a counselor about your positive results to discuss your options. If you did test with them, call 704-336-6500 to make a clinic appointment.
For detailed information about positive results and next steps, please visit STI Treatment Through Health Department
When you have questions about sexually transmitted infections, it’s important to get accurate information. Visit the link below for trustworthy information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Website: Centers for Disease Control
HIV/AIDS Services
Provides a plethora of services to those with HIV/AIDS or those who want to get tested, including Early Intervention Services, HIV/STI Testing, PrEP Program (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), EASE program, Awareness & Prevention Education, and Mobile Testing. They also provide The Drop program, a support group for men who have sex with men, and The Havens program which provides housing to homeless living with HIV or other disabilities. Visit the website for more info.
Website: Carolina Rain
EASE stands for Enhancing wellness through Affirming Services and Education.
Helps individuals decide if they are ready for HIV/AIDS treatment through a holistic wellness program that focuses on harm reduction based one-on-one counseling, group support and substance use treatment. Request more information at the link below.
Website: Carolina Rain Ease Program
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a medication that can reduce your risk of getting HIV from sex. Co-pay assistance programs can help lower the cost, including Gilead’s (the maker of PrEP) Patient Assistance Program and the Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program.
Phone: +1-800-226-2056
Website: Advancing Access Program
When you have questions about HIV/AIDS, it’s important to get accurate information. Visit the link below for trustworthy information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Website: Centers for Disease Control
Free Medical Equipment
Redistributes donated, gently used medical equipment and gifts it to low income, uninsured patients in the community. Assist M.E. gets wheelchairs, bedside commodes, walkers, shower chairs and other medical equipment from individual donors and organizations.
Address: Atrium Myers Park Clinic 1350 S Kings Dr., Charlotte, NC 28207
Phone: 704-659-1123
Email: [email protected]
Free/Low-Cost Medical Clinics
Serves people who don’t have insurance and the homeless by providing medical and dental care. Part of the Cook Community Clinic and conveniently located for North Mecklenburg County residents. Find information on eligibility at the link below.
Address: 14230 Hunters Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Phone: 704-316-6611
Website: Eligibility/Start: Cook Community Clinic
Serves people who do not have Medicaid (Family Planning Medicaid does not disqualify), Medicare, VA, Marketplace insurance, or private insurance. Patients must also fall in the age requirement and the Federal Poverty Guidelines of the current year. Becoming a patient requires an application that can be completed at the link below.
Address: 196 S. Trade St., Matthews, NC 28105
Website: Matthews Free Medical Clinic
Phone: 704-841-8882
A mobile van that has two different locations in Huntersville, N.C. that has a wide variety of services. Offers treatment for short-term health problems, like the flu and strep throat, long-lasting diseases, like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and arthritis, and minor injuries, like sprains and cuts. Services are not free but low-income patients may qualify for Atrium’s financial assistance program. Call to schedule an appointment.
Address: View website
Phone: 704-468-0135
Website: Care Everywhere
Offers services for the uninsured on a sliding scale and those insured with Medicare, Medicaid, or private plans. Services include medical care, dentistry, mental health services, substance use disorder services, and HIV specialty care. They also offer case management and transportation to appointments among other things.
Address: View locations
Phone: 866-299-4968
Website: CW Williams Clinic
Offers medical and behavioral health care to Medicaid and Medicare patients, the uninsured, and those with private insurance plans. Dental care is offered at a separate address.
Address: 8401 Medical Plaza Dr., Suite 300, Charlotte
Phone: 704-316-6561
Website: English Website o Sitio Web en Español
Offers medical and behavioral health care to Medicaid and Medicare patients, the uninsured, and those with private insurance plans. Dental care is offered at a separate address.
Address: 5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208 (Westerly Hills, West Charlotte area near airport)
Phone: 704-316-6561
Website: English Website o Sitio Web en Español
Offers medical and counseling services to the uninsured and the underinsured. Services are available by application for medical care and waitlist for counseling. Please call or check the website to see if the clinic is accepting new patients.
Phone: 704-910-5810
A free chronic care clinic that focuses on the treatment, management, and prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension.
The organization’s webpage is not current so please call for more information.
Phone: 704-373-3002
Offers a variety of services for anyone. There is no income or residence requirement, nor an application process to become a patient. Visits are low cost and lab tests are additional charges. Insurance of any kind is not accepted. If you cannot afford the costs, Care Ring offers a program called “Physicians Reach Out (PRO)” that does have eligibility requirements.
Address: 601 E. 5th Street, Suite 140, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 704-375-0172
Website: Care Ring Low-Cost Clinic
Free/Low-Cost Dentistry Clinics
Costs $35 for each of the following services: x-rays, oral prophylaxis (plaque and tartar removal), non-surgical periodontal therapy, coronal polishing, fluoride treatment, and arid sealants. Provided by the dental hygienists in training at Central Piedmont Community College. Not meant to replace going to the dentist.
Address: 1335 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: 704-330-6704
Website: CPCC Dental Clinic
Provides free dental care to the underserved residents ages 18+ of Mecklenburg County. Because of gratitude toward the men and women who serve our country, they also see all military veterans and their spouses regardless of income or residency. There are income requirements for eligibility. Call for appointments.
Address: 7839 Idlewild Rd., Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: 704-778-1204
Website: Agape Dental Ministry
Dental clinic equipped to handle a wide range of dental issues at affordable prices. Dental services are not free, but C.W. accepts Medicaid and provides services to those who do not have insurance coverage. They offer a sliding fee scale for those without insurance that is based on household income. The clinic is open to the public, but appointments are required.
Address: See website for locations.
Phone: 866-299-4968
Website: CW Williams Dental Clinic
Provides routine cleanings and dental exams. Sliding scale available. Must apply for financial screening with CCHC for sliding scale and to be a patient at CCHC. Accepts Medicaid and some private insurance plans as well.
Address: 5301 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208 Inside Goodwill Opportunity Campus
Website: CCHC Dental
A national company that offers affordable dentures, dental care, implants, and more through financing, Medicaid, and private major dental insurance plans. Visit their website for more information on paying for dentures and becoming a patient. Find the location closest to you.
Phone: 1-855-554-1498
Website: Affordable Dentures Services
Creates smiles by promoting proper brushing and flossing and comprehensive dental treatment for uninsured and underinsured children ages 1-17. Patients must show proof of residence and income verification at registration. Hours of operations and forms are (available in English and Spanish) at the link below. Appointments are required.
Address: 1801 Rozzelles Ferry Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Phone: 980-314-9600
Website: Meckdental for Children 1-17
Email: [email protected]
A facility of Carolinas Medical Center. Some Atrium Health patients who demonstrate need may qualify for financial assistance after services. You may call the price estimation hotline at 704-355-0900 and find info about financial assistance from Atrium Health by clicking here.
Address: 1000 Blythe Blvd. Annex Building 2nd Floor, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-355-2165
Free or Low Cost Medicine Programs
Provides medications to residents in all 100 counties of North Carolina. No matter where you are, this organization will help with medications if you do not have insurance and fall below 300% of the national poverty level. They can help those with Medicaid on a limited basis. They also offer free over-the-counter (OTC) meds.
Phone: 866-331-1348
Website: NC Med Assist
Email: [email protected]
A list of generic medications available for purchase at heavily discounted prices. Prices start at $4 for 30-day prescriptions, and $10 for 90-day supplies, with no insurance necessary to save.
For more information and a list of included prescriptions, visit Walmart $4 Program.
If you are having trouble finding a medicine program or need more specific help, NC 2-1-1 call specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The call is free, confidential, and available in any language. The phone line is a general inquiry line that can connect you to the resources you need most.
Phone: 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162
A program sponsored by drug companies, doctors, patient advocacy organizations, and civic groups. It helps low-income, uninsured patients get free or low-cost, brand-name medications directly from the pharmaceutical company.
Contact your doctor’s office to see if they participate in the program.
Note that Medicaid Insurance may also assist with prescription medication costs.
Applying for Medicaid
Call the main Department of Social Services office and follow the prompts to the Medicaid staff.
Phone: 704-336-3000
Website: Start Application Over The Phone
ePass is an official government website of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. With an ePass account, you can apply for Medicaid, food stamps (FNS), energy assistance, and more. Scroll on the website below and click on information for medical assistance. Applications in 15+ languages besides English. Paper applications are available to print as well.
Website: EPASS
Drop off a completed application at a physical location of the Department of Social Services in Mecklenburg County. Fill out and print application on website below. You may also mail the application.
Drop-off Addresses:
Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center – 430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, NC 28213
Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center – 3205 Freedom Drive Suite 1000, Charlotte, NC 28208
Wallace H. Kuralt Center – 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
FInding coverage for you and your family depends on several factors, such as how much money you make or whether you have a job that offers it. Finding coverage that covers what you need for a cost you can afford can be confusing, but that’s why we’re here. They have specialists that can help you try and find a plan that fits your specific needs.
Phone: 1-855-733-3711
Website: NC Navigator
Email: [email protected]
Applying for Medicare
If you are 65 years old or older, you are eligible to apply for Medicare Parts A and/or B. Applications can be done online through the Social Security Administration’s website. Note that you may choose to apply for both parts A and B at once, or apply only for part A or part B. Scroll down on the webpage below to find details on both options.
Website: Medicare
Call the Social Security Administration during business hours, Monday- Friday, from 7AM – 7PM. You may speak to someone in English, Spanish, or other languages. There is also a teletype writer (TTY) phone number for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Phone: +1 800-772-1213
Deaf and hard of hearing line: +1 800-325-0778
Using the link below, you may type in your zip code and locate the nearest Social Security Administration office and their phone number. It is always a good idea to call before visiting to make sure someone is there to help you and you have the necessary documents to apply.
STI Resources
If you think you may have an STI, or want a routine test, etc., the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department offers free, confidential testing services. Call the counseling number if you have questions about testing or call the second number to make an appointment. Visit the website below for locations.
Phone: Counselor 704-432-TEST (8378) or Appointments 704-336-6500
Website: STI Testing Through Health Department
Email: Health@MeckNC.gov
If you test positive for an STI, the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department offers free treatment. If you did not test with the health department, call to speak to a counselor about your positive results to discuss your options. If you did test with them, call 704-336-6500 to make a clinic appointment.
For detailed information about positive results and next steps, please visit STI Treatment Through Health Department
When you have questions about sexually transmitted infections, it’s important to get accurate information. Visit the link below for trustworthy information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Website: Centers for Disease Control
HIV/AIDS Services
Provides a plethora of services to those with HIV/AIDS or those who want to get tested, including Early Intervention Services, HIV/STI Testing, PrEP Program (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), EASE program, Awareness & Prevention Education, and Mobile Testing. They also provide The Drop program, a support group for men who have sex with men, and The Havens program which provides housing to homeless living with HIV or other disabilities. Visit the website for more info.
Website: Carolina Rain
EASE stands for Enhancing wellness through Affirming Services and Education.
Helps individuals decide if they are ready for HIV/AIDS treatment through a holistic wellness program that focuses on harm reduction based one-on-one counseling, group support and substance use treatment. Request more information at the link below.
Website: Carolina Rain Ease Program
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a medication that can reduce your risk of getting HIV from sex. Co-pay assistance programs can help lower the cost, including Gilead’s (the maker of PrEP) Patient Assistance Program and the Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program.
Phone: +1-800-226-2056
Website: Advancing Access Program
When you have questions about HIV/AIDS, it’s important to get accurate information. Visit the link below for trustworthy information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Website: Centers for Disease Control
Free Medical Equipment
Redistributes donated, gently used medical equipment and gifts it to low income, uninsured patients in the community. Assist M.E. gets wheelchairs, bedside commodes, walkers, shower chairs and other medical equipment from individual donors and organizations.
Address: Atrium Myers Park Clinic 1350 S Kings Dr., Charlotte, NC 28207
Phone: 704-659-1123
Email: [email protected]