Learn how MATCH helps our community thrive through health care access and resource navigation.

The MATCH Team is trained across various areas to provide community members with the knowledge and support they need to successfully navigate complex health care resources.

• Federally Certified Navigators
  The MATCH Team consists of local federally certified navigators who offer outreach, education, and enrollment support for ACA Marketplace plans. Our mission is to help our neighbors find affordable health plans that meet their needs. Unlike brokers, Navigators do not earn commissions. Instead, we focus solely on guiding you to the right plan and supporting you through every step of the process!

• Certified SHIIP (Medicare) Counselors
  MATCH SHIIP counselors provide free, impartial assistance and guidance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. They help navigate the complexities of Medicare by offering personalized support, education, and counseling on enrollment, coverage options, and available cost-saving programs.

• NC Medicaid Ambassadors
  MATCH supports community members through the Medicaid application process, including enrollment in Medicaid Expansion. We provide clear information about Medicaid, assist with online applications, and connect individuals to additional resources. Acting as community liaisons, we work to ensure everyone can access the healthcare they need. Additionally, we stay committed to keeping our community informed about Medicaid updates and helping them navigate Medicaid Managed Care

For community members who do not qualify for coverage through Medicaid, Medicare, or the ACA Marketplace, MATCH provides access to free or low-cost primary care through local participating providers, medication assistance, and referrals to specialty care and charity care programs.

We understand that healthcare goes beyond doctor visits. Access to nutritious food, transportation, employment resources, and more plays a vital role in health and well-being. At MATCH, we are dedicated to staying informed about local resources and linking our neighbors to the support they need to thrive. Whether it’s helping with SNAP applications, coordinating local food box deliveries, or providing assistance with job applications, we’re here to connect our clients with the essential resources for a healthier life.

MATCH plays a vital role in connecting community members to essential services like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs), which are key to promoting economic equity. Through VITA, MATCH helps low- and moderate-income individuals access free, reliable tax preparation, ensuring they receive the full refunds and credits they deserve without incurring extra costs. MATCH also supports clients in understanding and applying for APTCs, making health insurance more affordable by reducing premium costs. By linking neighbors to these programs, MATCH empowers them to improve their financial stability and gain access to critical healthcare resources, advancing overall community well-being and economic opportunity.

As part of its commitment to supporting vulnerable community members, MATCH connects individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness with the NC SOAR program. Through SOAR, MATCH helps clients with serious mental illness or medical impairments navigate the complex application process for Social Security Disability benefits. By providing this vital assistance, MATCH helps clients secure stable income and access to healthcare, which are essential steps toward achieving housing stability and improving overall well-being.

The MATCH Summer THRIVE Series is a community centered initiative designed to help families stay connected, informed, and supported all summer long! Through fun engaging events hosted at the Marion Tailgate Market, the series officers access to vital resources like food, health information and more, all while creating space for play, connection, and learning. By partnering with local organizations, MATCH helps equip local families with the tools they need to THRIVE! Check out the event page for more information!

MATCH intentionally co locates in trusted community spaces to meet people where they are. By being present in the places our neighbors already visit, we remove barriers to access and make it easier for individuals and families to get the support the need.

Current Co-Locations

• Centro Unido 9am-4:30pm Every Other Monday (79 Academy St Marion, NC 28752)

• McLeod Centers for Wellness 8am-11am Every Tuesday

• NC Works 8:30am-12pm Every Wednesday

• WNCCHS 8:30-12pm Every Thursday

Want to host a co-location? Let us know!

At MATCH, our work goes beyond direct services; we are also passionate advocates. We partner with local, regional, and state leaders to push for policies that expand access to care and promote economic access for ALL people. Whether its participating in collaborative initiatives, offering community insight, or lifting up the voices of those often left unheard, MATCH is committed to shaping systems that work better for everyone.