Category: FSHCP News and Stories

Our Health Insurance Navigators Are Leading the Way in Healthcare Access, and Now They’re Award-Winning

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At Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, we know that access to healthcare changes lives—and so does the dedication of the people who help make that access possible.

As a part of the North Carolina Navigator Consortium, our federally certified Health Insurance Navigators provide free, unbiased assistance to individuals and families who need help navigating health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), along with Medicaid and other federal and state programs.

At the North Carolina Annual Assister Appreciation Event in Greensboro on Tuesday, our Health Insurance Navigators joined partners and peers from across the state to celebrate the critical role assisters play in expanding access to healthcare. We’re proud to share that two of our very own team members received top honors during the event’s awards ceremony.

Tanja Pauler was named Navigator of the Year. This award goes to a Navigator who has shown exceptional dedication and outstanding service throughout the year, continuously going above and beyond to help our communities navigate the healthcare system and access health coverage. 

Natalie Marles, Health Insurance Navigator Project Manager, shared:

Since joining the CCLA team in 2022, Tanja has been an incredible addition to our team in the constantly changing world of access to healthcare. Her dedication, expertise, and strong integrity have raised the bar for what it means to advocate for those trying to navigate the often-tricky world of health coverage. Tanja has tackled some of the toughest challenges in our field, especially those involving agent and broker fraud and the complexities of Medicaid eligibility during the expansion. These are not easy topics to navigate; they demand a deep knowledge of policy, attention to detail, and a heartfelt commitment to clients’ well-being. Tanja brings all of this—and so much more—every single day. Her clients see her as not just a Navigator, but as a trusted friend and advocate. Her colleagues think of her as a go-to resource, a collaborative partner, and a caring presence. We all know her work has made a real impact on the lives of many people. Tanja, your professionalism, compassion, and tireless commitment to helping your clients embody the spirit of this award.

We are also proud to share that Natalie Marles was honored as a Health Access Champion, a recognition reserved for those who go above and beyond in their efforts to ensure North Carolinians can access vital healthcare services and coverage. Natalie’s leadership has been critical in supporting our team and driving impact across the region.

Julieanne Taylor, Interim Director of the Family Support & Health Care Program, said:

Since becoming the Navigator Program Manager at the Advocacy Center, Natalie has worked tirelessly with her team to reach as many North Carolinians as possible to ensure they have access to healthcare. Natalie’s passion for helping others is evident in her fearlessness to fight for immigrant families and those who are underserved in our community. Natalie is a trusted community leader and has cultivated relationships with countless partner organizations across North Carolina to expand her impact in the healthcare arena. Natalie has hosted Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Vice President Kamala Harris, and has been recognized by Former NC Governor Roy Cooper for her Medicaid Expansion efforts. Natalie is beyond deserving of this honor and we are so proud of the incredible work she does everyday. Congratulations, Natalie!!

We are so proud of both Tanja and Natalie and grateful for the dedication they bring to this work. Their commitment makes a difference every single day.

If you or someone you know needs help understanding their health coverage options, our team is here to help. Call 980-256-3782 or visit www.ncnavigator.org to schedule a free appointment.

Norma’s Story

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Norma is a passionate entrepreneur who poured her heart into starting her own business, Pan Dulce/Conchas, bringing the warmth of traditional Mexican bread to her community. But turning her dream into reality came at a cost—she had to leave her full-time job, losing the health insurance that came with it.

For two long years, Norma faced an agonizing choice: prioritize her health or keep her business afloat. Every doctor’s visit, every prescription, and every follow-up appointment with specialists came straight out of her pocket. She often delayed care, hoping minor issues wouldn’t turn into something worse.

Then, in 2024, everything changed. Norma learned that as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, she was finally eligible for health insurance. While some states cruelly blocked this new opportunity, North Carolina did not.

Health Insurance Navigator Rodrigo Medinilla Corzo helped Norma with the sign-up process. He states: “Our job as navigators is to help you invest your time in the projects you are passionate about and reduce the risks of a financial collapse due to illness or accident.”

For the first time in years, Norma could breathe easier—knowing she wouldn’t have to choose between her health and her livelihood.

“Knowing that I have health insurance gives me the confidence to keep working to grow my business,” Norma shares.

Now, with the security of health coverage, Norma can focus on what she does best: growing her business, serving her community, and creating a better future for herself and others.

Advocacy Center Health Insurance Navigators Recognized With Consortium Member Impact Award

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This week, we had the privilege of joining the NC Navigator Consortium, alongside community partners and advocates, to celebrate two incredible milestones: 15 years of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and more than 640,000 North Carolinians enrolling in Medicaid Expansion. These achievements mark significant progress in expanding access to quality, affordable health coverage across our state.

At the event, we were honored to receive the Consortium Member Impact Award from the NC Navigator Consortium. This award recognizes our Health Insurance Navigator‘s outstanding achievements in promoting public health by advancing Affordable Care Act and Medicaid enrollment across North Carolina.

Need Health Insurance? We Can Help!

If you have questions about Medicaid eligibility or Marketplace enrollment, our Health Insurance Navigators are here to guide you through the process—for free!

Schedule an appointment with a local Navigator:
📞 980-256-3782
🌐 ncnavigator.org

“Not only did I regain my child care assistance, but I also regained hope” : Advocacy Center Client Resolves Fraud Charges

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Tad sought legal assistance from the Public Benefits Unit regarding a fraud investigation related to the Department of Social Services’ Subsidized Child Care program. As a result of the investigation, she faced a criminal sanction, a $1,000 fine, and owed a child care balance of $57,000.

Advocacy Center Paralegal Meeka Clark and Tad worked together to compile an exhibit list demonstrating that Tad had accurately reported her household information, despite DSS findings against her. In the final hearing, the ruling was reversed, removing the sanction and fraud charges, ultimately reinstating her children’s enrollment in the program.

From Tad’s own words:

“My name is Tad, and I want to share a heartfelt story about a journey I never expected to take. Last year, I found myself in a tough spot with Mecklenburg County Services, who informed me that I owed them more than $57,000. Apparently, my children’s father’s address was still associated with mine in the North Carolina state system—even though he hadn’t lived there for years. It was a devastating surprise.

As a single mother of three, I was already struggling—especially after recently losing my job. On top of that, I received a bill from Child Care Resources demanding repayment for assistance I had received while my kids were in day care. They insisted I owed the money due to my ex’s address being linked to mine. I felt completely overwhelmed, caught in a whirlwind of confusion and stress.

That’s when I reached out to the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy—and I hit the jackpot! I was connected with a true angel, Meeka Clark, from the Family Support and Health Care Program (FSHCP). Speaking with her was a breath of fresh air. She treated me like family, guiding me through the legal maze with warmth and compassion. Instead of judging me, she walked beside me every step of the way.

For nine months, Meeka was my rock, helping me navigate complex hearings and overwhelming paperwork. We spent countless hours on the phone, brainstorming solutions to secure my children’s future and maintain my mental well-being. No matter how tough things got, she never let me feel alone.

When my first hearing arrived, things didn’t go as planned. The hearing officer sided with Mecklenburg County, and my heart sank. But Meeka refused to let me give up. She immediately helped me file an appeal, digging deep to uncover my ex’s last known address and guiding me through every step of the process. I was terrified of losing my home and my children, but she reassured me that we would find a way.

Thanks to her relentless support and advocacy, my appeal was successful! Not only did I regain my child care assistance, but I also regained hope. Even when I encountered additional hurdles with the child care system, Meeka stood by my side, ensuring I received the help I needed.

This experience showed me that there are still caring people out there. I can’t thank the legal advocacy team enough—especially Meeka—for saving my life, my home, and my children. I will forever advocate for these services and share my story with anyone in need.

Thank you for allowing me to share my journey and thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there when I needed it the most!”

Medicaid in NC: What You Need to Know

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Ver información en Español 

Medicaid is a federal and state-funded health insurance program that provides full coverage for some vulnerable low-income North Carolinians. It improves access to healthcare and health outcomes for North Carolinians by increasing access to primary care providers, regular checkups, preventative care, and care for chronic conditions.

There are many different types or categories of Medicaid, each with its own income limits compared to the federal poverty line (FPL). Medicaid expansion is the newly implemented program in the state of North Carolina, covering adults aged 19-64 who meet the income requirements. This expands coverage to college students, working parents, childless adults, and more.

Have questions or think you may be eligible? Make a free appointment with a Health Insurance Navigator at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy Call 980-256-3782 or visit the website ncnavigator.org to schedule your free phone appointment today!

  • On March 27, 2023, Governor Cooper signed the Medicaid Expansion into law.
  • NC is the 41st state to expand Medicaid (Including the District of Columbia)
  • As March 2025, more than 630,000 people have enrolled in Medicaid Expansion

Who will be able to get health coverage through NC Medicaid?

Most people can get health care coverage through NC Medicaid if they meet the criteria below. If you were eligible before, you still are. Eligibility criteria:

  • You live in North Carolina
  • Age 19 through 64
  • You are a citizen (some non-U.S. citizens can get health coverage through NC Medicaid)
  • If your household income fits within the following chart:

Click here for a Medicaid PDF with more information.

What should I do?

To apply contact your local DSS office or schedule a free appointment with a Health Insurance Navigator by calling 980-256-3782 or visiting www.ncnavigator.org.

  • Contact your local DSS office to make sure they have your current mailing address, phone number, email, and other contact information.
    • Local DSS Offices:
      • Mecklenburg County
        • 704-336-3000
        • Wallace H. Kuralt Centre, 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
        • Community Resource Center, 3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208
      • Union County
        • 704-296-4300
        • 2330 Concord Avenue Monroe, NC 28110
      • Cabarrus County
        • 704-920-1400
        • 1303 S. Cannon Blvd. Kannapolis, NC 28083
  • Watch for mail, texts, or phone calls from DSS and respond promptly. 
  • Create an enhanced E-Pass account (https://epass.nc.gov):
    • View your benefits,
    • Upload documents supporting any changes, like income or household size,
    • Update your information online

If you are denied and think it is wrong, we may be able to help. Call 704-376-1600 (select public benefits option) or make an appointment online.

You have the right to:

You have the right to appeal.

If you believe there has been an error, you can appeal that decision. You have 60 days (about 2 months) from the date of the notice to ask for an appeal. If you do so within 10 business days, you can request that your Medicaid be continued while the appeal is reviewed. Call 704-376-1600 and press 2 (public benefits) for more information or make an appointment online.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) are available for Medicare and Marketplace coverage. 

Individuals who are no longer eligible for Medicaid may be eligible to enroll in Medicare or Marketplace coverage with a special enrollment period.

Health Insurance Navigators

NC Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)

  • SHIIP counselors offer free and unbiased information regarding Medicare health care products and eligibility
  • 1-855-408-1212

Free legal assistance may be available.

If you think your Medicaid was wrongfully reduced or terminated, call 704-376-1600 and press 2 (public benefits) or make an appointment online.

For more helpful resources, visit NCMedHelp.org.