Category: Client Resources

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.

Advocacy Center Navigators Honored with Statewide Award for Impact on Healthcare Enrollment

In March, our Health Insurance Navigators received the Consortium Member Impact Award from the NC Navigator Consortium. This recognition celebrates the Navigators’ exceptional contributions to public health through their work supporting Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid enrollment efforts across North Carolina.

The award was presented during a special gathering in Raleigh that marked two major milestones: the 15th anniversary of the ACA and the enrollment of more than 640,000 North Carolinians in Medicaid expansion. Navigators from across the state joined community partners and fellow advocates to celebrate these achievements.

Advocacy Center Navigators Recognized at Assister Appreciation Event

In April, two Advocacy Center Health Insurance Navigators received top honors at the North Carolina Annual Assister Appreciation Event in Greensboro.

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.

Natalie Marles was honored as the 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

“Life Is So Much Better Now”: Low-Income Tax Clinic Corrects Misattributed $20,000 Tax Bill

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Sarah, a single mom of twins and a hairdresser, regularly pays her taxes every year when suddenly, she received a tax notice that she owed an additional $20,000. She didn’t know what was going on because nothing about this situation made sense. After contacting the IRS, she was told that she was being taxed on a second 1099-K due to earnings from her second account on a point-of-sale app.

Now, as a hairdresser who rents a booth at a local salon, Sarah does accept payments through this point-of-sale app. The IRS continued to tell her that she owed money due to the second account, even though this app only allows one account for one person. After many calls and much digging, it was determined that her former partner (and father of her twins) had changed his company’s app account and associated it with Sarah’s account through her social security number after they separated. Unbeknownst to her, she was expected to pay the taxes on his earnings without knowing how or when he did this.

Once figuring out what happened, it was a matter for the Advocacy Center’s low-income tax clinic to get it resolved. They had to file past earnings records, bank statements, tax forms, etc., along with getting a signed affidavit from her former partner. After over a year, we were able to prove to the court that the earnings were actually not Sarah’s and that she did not owe the additional $20,000 in taxes.

“It took a lot of pressure off of me and gave me peace of mind. While I knew it would be corrected in the end, I appreciated Soreé Finley (Advocacy Center Program Director) for her availability, her assurance and her responsiveness.

Life is much better now.”

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.

Puede ser elegible para preparación de impuestos GRATUITO.

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¿Necesita ayuda para preparar sus impuestos? Conéctese con estos útiles recursos GRATUITOS para comenzar. 

VITA Latino

Los centros VITA ofrecen ayuda GRATUITA a la comunidad Latina que necesiten asistencia con la preparación de sus propias declaraciones de impuestos, incluyendo a:

  • Personas con ingreso de $67,000 o menos;
  • Personas que tengan número de seguro social o ITIN (W7);
  • Personas que tienen dominio limitado del inglés.

Haz tu cita: VITA Latino

AARP

Tax-Aide de la Fundación AARP brinda asistencia de impuestos en persona y virtual a cualquier persona sin cargo, con un enfoque especial en los contribuyentes mayores de 50 años o con ingresos bajos a moderados. Los voluntarios de Tax-Aide están ubicados en todo el país, y están capacitados y certificados por el IRS cada año para asegurarse de que entienden los últimos cambios y adiciones a el código fiscal.

Haz tu cita: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service

GetYourRefund.org

GetYourRefund.org es un sitio web sin fines de lucro creado en asociación con los sitios de Asistencia Voluntaria a los Contribuyentes (VITA) certificados por el IRS a nivel nacional. El servicio brinda asistencia con la declaración de impuestos a las familias que ganan menos de $67,000 al año.

Tendrás que subir fotos de su identificación, responder preguntas sobre tu situación fiscal y subir tus documentos de ingresos. Un especialista en impuestos lo llamará por teléfono para hablar sobre sus impuestos, responder cualquier pregunta y completar su declaración. Sus voluntarios capacitados también pueden ayudarlo a presentar declaraciones de impuestos de años anteriores y asegurarse de que reciba los créditos fiscales para los que califica.

Visit GetYourRefund.org/ y click “Get Started”.

IRS Direct File

Direct File es un servicio digital que permite a los contribuyentes presentar sus impuestos federales y estatales directamente con el gobierno, ¡de forma gratuita! Después de un programa piloto exitoso en 2024, el IRS convirtió Direct File en una opción permanente para la presentación de impuestos. Este año, Direct File está disponible para contribuyentes elegibles en 25 estados, incluido Carolina del Norte. Direct File está disponible en inglés y español.

Obtén más información en directfile.irs.gov.

IRS Free File

Si el ingreso de su hogar fue de $72,000 o menos, Free File del IRS también le permite preparar y presentar su declaración de impuestos FEDERAL sobre la renta en línea mediante la preparación de impuestos guiada, en un sitio asociado del IRS o en los formularios rellenables de Free File. Hay opciones disponibles en inglés y español.

Free File del IRS: Haga sus impuestos gratuitamente | Internal Revenue Service

Contribuyentes de Bajos Ingresos de Carolina del Norte

¿Tiene problemas con el IRS? ¿Necesita ayuda con una auditoría? ¿El IRS está tomando dinero de su cheque de pago aunque no esté de acuerdo con una factura de impuestos que le envió? 

La Clínica para Contribuyentes de Bajos Ingresos de Carolina del Centro de Apoyo legal de Charlotte ayuda a los contribuyentes a comprender y manejar sus problemas fiscales. Más información sobre cómo podemos ayudar.

You may be eligible for FREE income tax preparation.

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Obtenga más información en Español 

VITA: IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

If your household income in 2025 was $67,000 or less, you could qualify to have your taxes prepared and submitted through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VITA sites are available in all 50 states.

Locations in Mecklenburg County: About Us (communitylinknc.org)

Outside Mecklenburg County: Get Free Tax Prep Help (treasury.gov)

AARP

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and virtual tax assistance to anyone free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 or have low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide and are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code.

Make an appointment: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service

GetYourRefund.org

GetYourRefund.org is a non-profit website built in partnership with the IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites nationally. The service provides tax filing assistance to families earning less than $67,000 a year.

You will have to upload photos of your ID, answer questions about your tax situation, and upload your tax documents. A tax specialists will call you on the phone to discuss your taxes, answer any questions, and complete your filing. Their trained volunteers can also help you file tax returns for previous years and make sure you receive the tax credits you qualify for.

Visit GetYourRefund.org and click “Get Started”.

IRS Direct File

Direct File is a digital service that allows taxpayers to file their federal and state taxes directly with the government—for free! Following a successful pilot in 2024, the IRS made Direct File a permanent tax filing option. This year, Direct File is available to eligible taxpayers in 25 states, including North Carolina. Direct File is available in both English and Spanish.

Learn more at directfile.irs.gov.

IRS Free File

The IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers prepare and file FEDERAL income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software at an IRS partner site or on Free File fillable forms. It’s safe, easy and no cost to you. Those who don’t qualify can still use Free File Fillable Forms. Options are available in English and in Spanish.

Learn more at IRS Free File

North Carolina Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic

Having trouble with the IRS? Do you need assistance with an audit? Is the IRS taking money from your paycheck even though you disagree with a tax bill it sent you? 

The North Carolina Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy helps taxpayers understand and manage their tax issues.  Learn more about how we can help.

Free Community Tax Talk: Tax Topics for Immigrants

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With tax season around the corner, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy’s North Carolina Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (Tax Clinic) is hosting a free community Winter Tax Talks series to help equip attendees with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate tax season with confidence. 

The next community tax talks will be held on Jan. 15 and 16 and will cover tax topics for immigrants. 

Topics covered will include: 

  • ITINs vs. SSNs and how to merge the two
  • Eligibility for tax credits

Event Details:

  • January 15 (in Spanish): 6 p.m. via Facebook Live on the Advocacy Center’s page 
  • January 16 (in English): 6 p.m. in-person (5535 Albemarle Road, Charlotte) and via Facebook Live on the Advocacy Center’s page 

This year, the Tax Clinic has delivered presentations and created a number of resources to help inform North Carolinians about various tax-related topics, including reminders for tax season, self-employment taxes and understanding the tax implications of online sports betting. 

The North Carolina Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, a program of Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, provides free representation for low-income taxpayers in federal and state tax disputes while educating individuals about their rights and responsibilities as U.S. taxpayers. 

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy provides those in need with information, advice and advocacy in consumer protection, home preservation, health care access and public benefits, immigration, tax assistance and more. Our mission is to pursue justice for those in need. Our vision is to build a just community, where all people are treated fairly and have access to legal representation to meet their basic human needs of safety, economic security and stability. Learn more: charlottelegaladvocacy.org. 

U.S. Court Ruling Blocks Marketplace Access for DACA Recipients in Some States – No Impact in North Carolina

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Charlotte, N.C. – A Dec. 9, 2024, federal court decision blocked access to the Health Insurance Marketplace® for DACA recipients living in states that challenged a Biden administration ruling earlier this year making them eligible; the Dec. 9 court decision does not apply to N.C. This means that DACA recipients and other lawfully present immigrants who reside in N.C. can still access affordable health insurance via the HealthCare.gov Marketplace. The Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (Advocacy Center) is part of the NC Navigator Consortium; their health insurance navigators are standing by to help residents of Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Union Counties get covered via HealthCare.gov or N.C. Medicaid.

“To reiterate, this ruling does not impact any eligible North Carolina resident who wants to use the Marketplace to find a high-quality health plan that is affordable,” said Natalie Marles, the health insurance navigator project manager for the Advocacy Center. She added that DACA recipients and eligible immigrant groups are also eligible for financial assistance and subsidies.

As for the future of the Affordable Care Act, Marles added, “Even though this recent ruling has national implications for the future, it will not affect North Carolina residents for this Open Enrollment period or the coverage that they have enrolled in or will secure for 2025.”

These groups are also eligible for a special enrollment period (SEP) that enables them to secure coverage quicker. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):

“Newly eligible individuals, including DACA recipients, will qualify for a special enrollment period to enroll in a QHP through the Marketplace during the 60 days following November 1, 2024 … Consumers who apply for coverage through a SEP during December 2024 can have their Marketplace coverage begin as early as January 1, 2025, if they meet all other eligibility requirements.” This means those who enroll by Dec. 31, 2024, can get coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2025, or Jan. 15, 2025, to start coverage in February 2025 or even beyond.

For those not included in the SEP, the current HealthCare.gov Open Enrollment period will run through Jan. 15, 2025. Those looking to start coverage on Jan. 1, 2025, will need to enroll before this Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. 

During Open Enrollment, health insurance navigators at the Advocacy Center work directly with everyone eligible in Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Union Counties to help them save money on high quality, affordable health insurance plans on the HealthCare.gov Health Insurance Marketplace. (Navigators also help those eligible enroll in NC Medicaid.) HealthCare.gov Open Enrollment will run Nov. 1, 2024, through Jan. 15, 2025. More information is available at charlottelegaladvocacy.org/getcovered.

As a member of the NC Navigator Consortium, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy navigators are available to provide free, unbiased advice to residents of Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Union Counties. Navigators are federally certified and extensively trained in the insurance plan options offered by the Marketplace, in addition to cost-sharing reductions and premium tax credits eligibility. Additional assistance is provided to consumers who are disabled, do not speak English or are unfamiliar with health insurance.

Free appointments with a local navigator can be made using the statewide appointment hotline at 1-855-733-3711 or local at 980-256-3782 or online at charlottelegaladvocacy.org/getcovered. 

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy can provide those in need with information, advice and advocacy in consumer protection, home preservation, health care access and public benefits, immigration, tax assistance and more. Our mission is to pursue justice for those in need. Our vision is to build a just community, where all people are treated fairly and have access to legal representation to meet their basic human needs of safety, economic security and stability. Learn more: charlottelegaladvocacy.org. 

Started in 2014, the NC Navigator Consortium is the only federally funded Navigator entity in the state that serves all 100 counties across North Carolina. Learn more at ncnavigator.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Members of the Consortium are Access East, Care Ring, CareReach, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Cumberland HealthNET, HealthNet Gaston, Kintegra Health, Mountain Projects, NC Field and Pisgah Legal Services. The Consortium is led by Legal Aid of North Carolina. 

Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people in order to ensure equal access to justice and to remove legal barriers to economic opportunity. Learn more at legalaidnc.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. 

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Prepare for Tax Season with Free Community Tax Talks

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With tax season around the corner, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy’s North Carolina Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (Tax Clinic) is hosting a free community Winter Tax Talks series to help equip attendees with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate tax season with confidence. 

December Event: Reminders for Tax Season

The next community Tax Talks will be held on Dec. 4 and 5 and will provide information and resources to prepare attendees for tax season. Topics include: 

  • Preparing for tax season 
  • Avoiding tax scams 
  • Understanding filing requirements 
  • Accessing free tax-filing resources 

Event Details:

  • December 4 (in Spanish): 6 p.m. via Facebook Live on the Advocacy Center’s page 
  • December 5 (in English): 6 p.m. in-person (5535 Albemarle Road, Charlotte) and via Facebook Live on the Advocacy Center’s page 

This year, the Tax Clinic has delivered presentations and created resources to help inform North Carolinians about various tax-related topics, including self-employment taxes (November’s Tax Talk) and understanding the tax implications of online sports betting in North Carolina. 

The North Carolina Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, a program of Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, provides free representation for low-income taxpayers in federal and state tax disputes while educating individuals about their rights and responsibilities as U.S. taxpayers. 

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy provides those in need with information, advice and advocacy in consumer protection, home preservation, health care access and public benefits, immigration, tax assistance and more. Our mission is to pursue justice for those in need. Our vision is to build a just community, where all people are treated fairly and have access to legal representation to meet their basic human needs of safety, economic security and stability. Learn more: charlottelegaladvocacy.org.