Low-income families and individuals who cannot afford health insurance do not have to go without adequate care. Medicaid is federally-funded health care coverage. In addition to meeting the financial criteria, there are eligibility and citizenship requirements that must be met by applicants. Each state sets its own Medicaid laws and guidelines. If you are a Georgia resident, determine if you qualify for Medicaid.
Citizenship and Residency
Medicaid applicants must be United States citizens. Legal immigrants are also eligible for coverage. Proper documentation is required to prove citizenship. A certified copy of a birth certificate is typically required for all household members. Other forms of identification include Social Security cards and government-issued ID cards, such as a driver's license. If you are an immigrant without paperwork, you will be denied coverage. In the event of an emergency, non-documented immigrants can receive limited treatment through the Medicaid program. You must also reside in Georgia. Medicaid approved in the state of Georgia cannot be used in other states.
Eligibility
Medicaid in Georgia is only open to certain individuals. Pregnant women, infants, children up to 19 years of age, parents or caretakers with children in the household, elderly, disabled or blind individuals can apply. Medicaid also covers nursing home care and hospice, if needed.
Income and Assets
Each eligibility group has income restrictions. The amount a family or individual can receive is based on the number of people living in the household. All sources of income are counted toward the income limit. It is important to note that a pregnant woman is considered two household members. Pregnant women and infants up to a year of age can earn up to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The FPL is subject to change annually. In 2011, the FPL was $10,830. Working parents must earn less than 56 percent of the FPL. Non-working parents are limited to just 29 percent of the FPL. The elderly, disabled or blind who receive SSI benefits automatically meet the income requirements. Asset restrictions also apply for some. The elderly, disabled or blind can only maintain $2,000 in countable assets for an individual and $3,000 in countable assets for couples. The home, vehicle, personal property and certain burial expenses are excluded.
Exceptions
Uninsured women who do not meet the traditional Medicaid requirements, but are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, may qualify for Women's Health Medicaid. If your income exceeds the Medicaid limits but you have medical bills each month, you may qualify for coverage for Medically Needy Medicaid. If your income falls below the threshold for your eligibility group after subtracting medical expenses, you may be classified as medically needy.
Tags: disabled blind, elderly disabled, elderly disabled blind, countable assets, eligibility group, Georgia Medicaid, household members
