Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Your health, in body and mind, matters so much. I'm really glad you picked this up. North Carolina has health coverage for people with low incomes, and people ready to help in a crisis, any time.
Here is the easy first step: if you're in crisis, call or text 988. For health coverage, apply for Medicaid on ePASS. We'll walk through the rest together.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each program decides who it can serve. We can't promise coverage or care.
- In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
If you're thinking about suicide, or you're in a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 any time. You don't have to have insurance, and you don't have to be sure it's a crisis.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-developmental-disabilities-and-substance-use-services/crisis-services/988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline
What to say when you call 988
"I'm not okay, and I need to talk to someone."
"I'm in (town or county)."
"I don't feel safe right now," if that's true.
You can text too
If talking is too hard, you can text 988. A real person will text back.
What is NC Medicaid expansion?
North Carolina expanded Medicaid, so more adults with low incomes can get health coverage. Apply on ePASS or at your county DSS.
With questions, call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at 888.245.0179, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
New federal rules may affect some people's coverage. Ask your county DSS how they apply to you, and keep your contact information current so you don't miss a letter.
Sources: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/medicaid-expansion and https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/contact
How to apply for health coverage, step by step
- Go to ePASS, or visit your county DSS office.
- Apply for health coverage. You can apply for food and cash help at the same time.
- Watch your mail and ePASS for letters. Answer by the date they give.
- Once you're approved, pick a health plan and a doctor.
- Keep your card in a safe place, or take a photo of it.
Where can I get mental health care?
In North Carolina, public mental health, developmental disability and substance use services are managed by regional agencies. Alliance Health covers Wake and Mecklenburg counties, and its Access and Information line is open 24 hours a day at 800.510.9132.
Dial 211 to find the agency for your county.
Sources: https://www.wake.gov/living-visiting/behavioral-health and https://nc211.org/
Where can I get care if I'm homeless?
Many cities have health centers and clinics that see people who have no insurance or no address. Some day centers have nurses or clinics on site.
Dial 211 and ask about health care for people who are homeless near you.
Things to bring to a health visit
What about help with drugs or alcohol?
Your community mental health agency can connect you with substance use treatment. You can also call or text 988 any time.
Asking for help with drugs or alcohol is brave, and there are people ready to help.
Say you're feeling hopeless and staying with friends in Asheville
You could call or text 988 tonight to talk to someone. Tomorrow, you could apply for Medicaid on ePASS and dial 211 to find your county's mental health agency. You don't have to do it all at once.
Questions people ask a lot
Do I need insurance to call 988?
No. Anyone can call or text 988.
Can I get Medicaid if I don't have an address?
Yes, you can still apply. Tell your county DSS where you can get mail.
What if I was turned down?
Ask why, in writing if you can. You may be able to appeal.
What if I need medicine today?
Ask a clinic or pharmacy about low cost options, and dial 211.
You matter so much
Taking care of your health, and your mind, is one of the strongest things you can do.
How do I make the most of each call?
Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.
- Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
- Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
- Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
- Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
- Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
- Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Keep going, friend
If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.
What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.
- Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
- Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
- If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
- Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
- If a state agency denies you, the letter should tell you how to ask for a hearing and the deadline. Read it right away, and call legal aid if you need help.
- Dial 211 any time to look for other options near you.
Keep your papers safe
You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
Here is help that works across North Carolina, then health and mental health help in the biggest counties, then a county DSS list for other counties. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone facing emotional distress, mental health struggles or alcohol or drug concerns, and for people supporting someone they love. Spanish text and chat are available.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at https://chat.988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Veterans Crisis Line
What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for Veterans in crisis and the people who care about them. Many responders are Veterans themselves.
How to reach Dial 988, then press 1. Text 838255. TTY: dial 711, then 988. Chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
North Carolina
Here are some places to start.
NC Medicaid Contact Center
What it offers Questions about NC Medicaid and help finding your local Department of Social Services. You can apply online, in person, by phone, by mail or through HealthCare.gov.
How to reach Call 888.245.0179, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (closed state holidays). TTY: dial 711. Online: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/apply
Source https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/apply
Last checked October 22, 2026
NC ePASS: apply for benefits online
What it offers North Carolina's online application for Food and Nutrition Services (North Carolina's name for SNAP), Medicaid and energy help. On the form, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance. You'll need an NCID account to start.
How to reach Apply at https://epass.nc.gov/ You can also apply through your county Department of Social Services (see the county sections below).
Source https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/apply and https://dcr.mecknc.gov/Apply-for-Benefits
Last checked October 22, 2026
NC Navigator Helpline (Legal Aid of North Carolina)
What it offers No cost help enrolling in health insurance through HealthCare.gov.
How to reach Call 855.733.3711, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Source https://www.legalaidnc.org/apply
Last checked October 22, 2026
Alliance Health Access and Information line
What it offers Alliance manages public mental health, developmental disability and substance use services in Wake and Mecklenburg counties. The line helps people, including people who are uninsured, find behavioral health care.
How to reach Call 800.510.9132, 24 hours a day.
Source https://www.wake.gov/living-visiting/behavioral-health and https://cfas.mecknc.gov/MeckHope
Last checked October 22, 2026
NCDHHS Customer Service Center and county social services
What it offers Each of North Carolina's 100 counties has a local Department of Social Services (DSS). That is where Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First, energy help and Medicaid are handled. You can also apply online at ePASS.
How to reach Call the NCDHHS Customer Service Center at 800.662.7030, or use the Local DSS Directory to find your county office. Apply online at https://epass.nc.gov/
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-dss-directory
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Mecklenburg County (Charlotte)
Here are some places to start.
MeckHope support lines
What it offers Urgent and preventive mental health and drug or alcohol help for Mecklenburg County residents.
How to reach Emergency access (24/7): 800.510.9132. Peer warm line, private and not for crisis (24/7): 833.390.7728. Alcohol and drugs: 704.445.6900. Time Out Youth Center (LGBTQ youth): 704.344.8335. Hope Community Clinic of East Charlotte: 704.910.5810.
Source https://cfas.mecknc.gov/MeckHope
Last checked October 22, 2026
Mecklenburg County Public Health clinics
What it offers Screenings, family planning, HIV and STI testing and treatment, immunizations, lab services, dental care for children and more. Not every service is at every site. The county also keeps a list of no cost and reduced cost clinics.
How to reach Call 704.336.6500. Walk ins welcome; appointments preferred. Sites include 2845 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216, and 249 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8 am to 5 pm; Wednesday 10 am to 7 pm). Clinic list: https://health.mecknc.gov/clinical-services
Source https://health.mecknc.gov/clinical-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Wake County (Raleigh)
Here are some places to start.
Wake County Public Health clinics
What it offers County clinics for child health, immunizations, family planning, prenatal care, dental care, STI care, infectious disease, TB and refugee health, and pharmacy.
How to reach Details and locations: https://wake.gov/departments-government/health-human-services/public-health-and-medical-services/health-clinics
Last checked October 22, 2026
Primary care for people without insurance (Wake)
What it offers The Capital Care Collaborative referral line helps people find community primary care. Open Door Clinic serves uninsured adults by appointment.
How to reach Capital Care Collaborative: 919.792.3676. Open Door Clinic: 919.832.0820.
Last checked October 22, 2026
Alliance Health (Wake County)
What it offers Wake County directs Medicare enrollees and uninsured or underinsured residents to Alliance for help getting behavioral health care.
How to reach Call 800.510.9132, 24 hours a day.
Source https://www.wake.gov/living-visiting/behavioral-health
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (call your county DSS)
Here are some places to start.
Alamance County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Alamance County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington, NC 27217. Call 336.570.6532. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/alamance-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Brunswick County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Brunswick County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 60 Government Center Drive NE, Building B, Bolivia, NC 28422. Call 910.253.2077. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/brunswick-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Buncombe County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Buncombe County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28802. Call 828.250.5500. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/buncombe-county-health-human-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cabarrus County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Cabarrus County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1303 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083. Call 704.920.1400. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/cabarrus-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Catawba County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Catawba County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 3030 11th Ave. Drive, S.E., Hickory, NC 28602. Call 828.695.5600. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/catawba-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cumberland County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Cumberland County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301. Call 910.323.1540. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/cumberland-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Davidson County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Davidson County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 913 Greensboro St., Lexington, NC 27292. Call 336.242.2500. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/davidson-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Durham County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Durham County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 414 E. Main St., Durham, NC 27702. Call 919.560.8000. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/durham-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Forsyth County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Forsyth County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 741 North Highland Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Call 336.703.3800. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/forsyth-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gaston County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Gaston County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052. Call 704.862.7500. Call ahead for hours.
Last checked October 22, 2026
Guilford County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Guilford County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1203 Maple St., Greensboro, NC 27405. Call 336.641.3000. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/guilford-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Iredell County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Iredell County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 549 Eastside Drive, Statesville, NC 28625. Call 704.873.5631. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/iredell-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Johnston County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Johnston County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 714 North St., Smithfield, NC 27577. Call 919.989.5300. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/johnston-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
New Hanover County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for New Hanover County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1650 Greenfield St., Wilmington, NC 28401. Call 910.798.3500. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/new-hanover-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Onslow County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Onslow County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 612 College St., Jacksonville, NC 28540. Call 910.455.4145. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/onslow-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Orange County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Orange County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 113 Mayo St., Hillsborough, NC 27278. Call 919.245.2800. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/orange-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Pitt County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Pitt County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1717 W. Fifth St., Greenville, NC 27834. Call 252.902.1110. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/pitt-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Rowan County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Rowan County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1813 E. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28146. Call 704.216.8330. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/rowan-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Union County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Union County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 2330 Concord Avenue, Monroe, NC 28110. Call 704.296.4300. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/union-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Wayne County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Wayne County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1560 Clingman St., Goldsboro, NC 27534. Call 919.580.4034. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/wayne-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Things to bring to a health visit
My health plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My care
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
You're doing the right thing
Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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