What office must be contacted to apply for Medicaid benefits?

• A. Department of Revenue
• B. Department of Social Services (DSS)
• C. Health and Human Services
• D. Department of Insurance

Answer: (B)

To apply for Medicaid benefits, the appropriate office to contact is the Department of Social Services (DSS). This agency is specifically responsible for administering social service programs, which include Medicaid in North Carolina. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for certain individuals and families, particularly those with low income or specific health needs.

The Department of Social Services plays a critical role in determining eligibility, processing applications, and providing assistance with the program. Therefore, individuals needing to apply for Medicaid or seeking information about their eligibility or benefits should reach out to the DSS.

Other options, such as the Department of Revenue, primarily deal with state taxation and related functions, while the Department of Insurance oversees insurance regulation and protections but does not administer Medicaid. The Department of Health and Human Services has a broader scope that includes health programs but does not specifically handle Medicaid applications at the local level, which is managed by DSS.