Adult Medicaid Manual Aged, Blind, and Disabled, Introduction to Medicaid

II. Background

In North Carolina, the Medicaid program is administered by the Human Resources, Division of Medical Assistance (DMA). Eligibility for Medicaid is determined by the county departments of social services (dss) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. It is jointly financed with federal, state, and county funds.

The Social Security Act mandates certain groups of individuals who must be covered by Medicaid. The mandatory groups include individuals who receive, or are deemed to be receiving, cash assistance. Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the major cash assistance programs. In addition, the State is mandated to cover certain Medicare beneficiaries and pregnant women and children.

The Act also describes optional groups the state may elect to cover. Two of the optional groups North Carolina covers are individuals described as Medically Needy and individuals who receive Special Assistance.







For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office.