Beginning Dec. 1, 2023, more than 600,000 people in North Carolina will be able to apply for health coverage through NC Medicaid expansion. It's estimated 15,000 eligible Buncombe County individuals who may qualify for expansion. Medicaid expansion will cover people ages 19 through 64 years with higher income guidelines, closing the coverage gap for North Carolinians. Medicaid pays for doctor visits, yearly check-ups, emergency care, mental health and more — at little or no cost to participants.