Medicaid, the health insurance program for low-income residents, differs from state to state. In all states, the program is funded jointly between the state and federal government. Georgia residents applying for Medicaid should visit their county Department of Children and Family Services. Georgia provides several programs for Medicaid recipients, including Georgia Families and PeachCare for Kids.
Eligibility
Low-income Georgia residents who are U.S. citizens or hold permanent legal resident status may be eligible for Medicaid coverage. Uninsured, low-income women who may be pregnant or have been diagnosed with cervical or breast cancer may be eligible for Medicaid benefits. Those under age 18 or over age 65 may also be eligible, as are blind or disabled individuals incapable of working or people needing care in a nursing home. Families with children under age 18 who meet income requirement may also qualify.
The Georgia Medicaid program encourages residents in need of health care to apply for Medicaid, as each category of eligible people has its own income limits, and some assets, such as home ownerships, may not count against income.
Income Limits
The federal government sets the income limits for Medicaid eligibility each year, and the states must follow these guidelines. The government defines the amount of income for the number of people in a household considered the federal poverty level. Household income at or less than the federal poverty level generally means Medicaid eligibility. In 2011, children between the ages of 1 and 5 qualify at household income at or less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level. Children age 19 or under whose families have incomes at or less than 185 percent of the poverty level qualify for Georgia's low-cost health Medicaid insurance program, Right from the Start. Infants and pregnant women qualify if family income is at or less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, as do women diagnosed with cervical or breast cancer. Medicaid recipients must report any income changes or personal status changes within 10 days. These include new employment, moving and alimony or child support income.
Emergency Medical Assistance
Medicaid Emergency Medical Assistance is available for noncitizens. Only emergency situations, including childbirth, qualify for EMA. Unlike regular Medicaid applicants, those applying for EMA do not have to provide immigration status documentation or a Social Security number. EMA applicants cannot apply in advance, so whether the payments for treatment will be approved can be determined only after services are received.
Medicaid Services
Under Georgia Medicaid law, eligible services for Medicaid recipients includes hospital care, prescriptions, lab tests and X-rays, doctor visits, home health and hospice care, medically-necessary supplies and equipment, dental care to age 21 and transportation for non-emergency medical services.
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