Eligible low-income seniors may receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
The Georgia Medicaid program provides insurance coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. The program is partly funded by the federal government and administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health. The Georgia Medicaid program pays the medical bills of its participants who receive medical services covered by the program. Individuals must meet eligibility guidelines to qualify for Medicaid in the state.
Basic Criteria
The Georgia Medicaid program covers several groups of low-income people. Low-income women who are pregnant or think they are possibly pregnant are encouraged to apply for Medicaid. Low-income families with children or teenagers, seniors age 65 and older, individuals with disabilities or legally blind and individuals needed nursing home care are also encouraged to apply. Applicants are required to possess U.S. citizenship to qualify for Medicaid in Georgia.
Income Criteria
Households must meet specific income requirements to qualify for participation in the Georgia Medicaid program. If you are aged, blind or disabled and receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your individual annual gross income cannot exceed $8,088 or $12,132 if you are married. Families that meet the requirements for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cannot have income that exceeds $2,820 for a one-person household, $4,272 for a two-person household, $5,088 for a three-person household and $6,000 for a four-person household. Women who are pregnant or have infants age 1 or younger may qualify the Georgia Medicaid program if their annual gross income is at or less than $21,780 for a one-person household, $29,424 for a two-person household, $37,068 for a three-person household and $44,700 for a four-person household.
Required Documentation
To apply for Medicaid, you can fill out an application in person at a local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office, at a Social Security Administration office or request a representative from a DFCS to mail you an application. Documentation you should bring when applying in person includes your birth certificate, Social Security number, most recent W-2 forms or pay stubs, federal or state identification cards, recent bank statements and letters stating you receive SSI or TANF. After submitting the completed application, you are given a response concerning eligibility within 45 to 60 days. If you are pregnant, you can receive a decision concerning your Medicaid eligibility immediately so you can receive prenatal care.
Covered Services
The Georgia Medicaid program covers specific medical services. Participants who receive services outside of the covered services are responsible for paying charges. Payment for covered services is not sent to the participant but to the medical provider. Common services covered by the Georgia Medicaid program include physician, pharmacy, dental, ambulance and inpatient and outpatient services.
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