GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — More than 600,000 people in our state can get covered, because of Medicaid Expansion. In Guilford County alone, that means more than 33,000 people are now able to get the care they need.
This has been a conversation for years among lawmakers.
All Friday, the Guilford County Social Services building saw a huge influx in visitors, received many phone calls, and applications kept rolling in from people excited about new opportunities.
"We just had a gentleman earlier that came in. He was able to get his application process while he was here and he's needed health care for a while. He actually was walking out all smiles, thanked all of us, and was calling a friend to tell them about it," explained Rhonda Kernodle, Program Manager in the Division of Health Benefits.
As of December 1st, anyone between ages 19 and 64, who make less than $20,120 in a single adult household or less than $34,000 for a family of three are now be able to get the care they need.
Tenesha Herbin lives in the county and said she is now eligible for Medicaid Expansion.
"There are a lot of struggling people that are not making a lot of money, and healthcare is serious because you need it. So if you're sick, you have to go and get taken care of," Herbin said.
The expansion gives access to primary and preventative care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, emergency care and getting prescriptions.
"People are extremely happy. We have community members that haven't had access to healthcare in many years, and so now they are going to have that and they are very excited about that," Kernodle said.
Abbi Gill is also a Program Manager in the Health Benefits Department in Guilford County. She said most of the calls she answered were people between the ages of 21 and 34.
Gill explained, "college students tend to not go to the doctor because they may or may not have health insurance coverage. Now they have that opportunity to go to the doctor and receive medical care that they need. Simple care as family planning care, mental health care, and regular basic check ups.”
One college student is taking advantage of the expansion.
Soon, Sydni Smith will be able to make a dentist appointment. Somethings she's been putting off due to lack of coverage.
"It's a domino effect. It will affect when you are able to get seen and if you were able to get seen at all. Where you were able to go, because there are some doctors offices that only take health insurance from your job so being able to be on Medicaid and finding those facilities that will take you even based on this insurance is always a good thing," Smith said.
There are many ways to apply for Medicaid Expansion, whether it be in person, online, over the phone and even through email.
For help on how to apply, click here.