September 16, 2026

Navigator News: September 2026

Upcoming Health Coverage Changes



Changes from the CMS Final Rule and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are affecting Medicaid and Healthcare.gov coverage. Changes include DACA eligibility, immigrant coverage rules, loss of the low-income special enrollment period, and more See the full timeline of changes here.


For more information on upcoming changes and outreach materials, check out the NC Medicaid Toolkit from NCDHHS.

Medicaid Work Requirements



Among the many changes coming to Medicaid are new work requirements for the Medicaid Expansion Population. We will continue to educate beneficiaries on their eligibility through our one-on-one appointments and through our outreach. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Medicaid work requirements begin January 1st, 2027
  • Requires sufficient monthly household income OR at least 80 hours of qualifying activities per month OR half-time school attendance
  • Households with $580/month or more should not be impacted
  • It's vital that people make sure their contact info with the local DSS is up-to-date. These new rules will require constant communication.


Learn more about the Work and Community Engagement Requirement at NCDHHS website here.

Public Benefits Assistance

In addition to connecting folks to health coverage, we now also help them find and use their public benefits! In our appointments, we guide consumers through Code the Dream's MyFriendBen screener to help them find out which public benefits they are eligible for. We can now help people:

  • Find health coverage through HealthCare.gov or NC Medicaid
  • Apply for food assistance through SNAP (Food and Nutrition Services)
  • Enroll in WIC for nutrition support for women, infants and children
  • Get help with energy bills through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
  • Explore other benefits you may be eligible for


Visit our Benefits Navigation page to learn more

Open Enrollment Period 2026-2027

Open Enrollment is Fast Approaching!

It's almost that time of year again! Open Enrolllment Period is when the Health Insurance Marketplace opens up with healthcare plans for 2027. Adults 18 - 65 are eligible to enter the Marketplace and see if there is a plan that suits them. This year's Open Enrollment Period is from November 1st to January 15th! Folks can book a FREE appointment with a Navigator on our "Get Help" page here.

Navigators are available in your community year-round to help those in need with:


  • Understand their bills and benefits
  • Sign up for health insurance and find a plan that best suits the consumers' needs and income
  • Apply for Medicaid through expansion
  • Apply for eligible financial assistance or tax credits


Please share our flyer (English and Spanish) and get your clients connected with a Navigator here.


If you're interested in coordinating with us to attend your next outreach event or other ways we can partner, please reach out to Wills Maxwell at WillsM@legalaidnc.org to collaborate.

Navigators at Events





Want us to join you for your next event? Reach out to get connected with a local Navigator.