A Message from NCTracks on Behalf of NC Medicaid Help Spread the Word- Free Telemedicine Program for COVID-19 Treatments Launched

NC DHHS is launching a time-limited program in partnership with StarMed Healthcare to provide free access to telemedicine screenings for COVID-19 treatment for North Carolinians who test positive. This program is available now until funding runs out, which is expected to be around mid-March.

People who test positive for COVID-19 with an at-home test or other method can set up an appointment online at starmed.care/nc/ or call 704-941-6000, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no cost to the patient. Read our press release for more information.

Key facts:

  • This service is available regardless of insurance status and IDs are not required. If you do not have insurance, you will not be charged for your appointment. 
  • If you have insurance, StarMed will bill your health plan and NCDHHS will pay any additional balance.
  • Appointments are available in English, Spanish and more than 200 other languages through an on-demand interpretation service. American Sign Language interpretation is also available.
  • If the patient is eligible for antiviral treatment, such as Paxlovid, the provider will send a prescription to the patient’s desired pharmacy. There is also an option to mail order the medication. Oral antiviral pills are available at no cost to the patient.
  • The telemedicine program will last until funding runs out, which is estimated to be about mid-March.

After a positive test, early treatment is key to avoiding severe illness and hospitalizations, and treatment may even reduce complications from post-COVID conditions, also called long COVID.

Everyone, especially people at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, should have a plan to contact a health care provider right away if they test positive. This telemedicine program offers another option for quick access to lifesaving treatments. Please help spread the word in your communities: