Medicaid, a government-funded health insurance program, provides eligible low-income Americans with health coverage, including pregnant women, elderly adults, people with disabilities and other qualified groups. Since each state operates its own Medicaid program, the available coverage may vary. In Georgia, Medicaid covers a variety of medically necessary services, such as doctor visits, hospital visits, emergency ambulance services, home health services and nursing facilities.
Seniors who live in the Atlanta area may be eligible for Medicaid coverage if they meet the program’s financial requirements. Georgia’s Medicaid income limit is $30,850 per year (before taxes) for single seniors. The income limit for couples is $41,768. In addition to these financial requirements, seniors must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, legal aliens or permanent residents.
Seniors can apply for Medicaid coverage through the state’s online portal, Georgia Gateway. Alternately, they can apply in person at their local Division of Family and Children Services office. Atlanta’s DFCS office is located at 1249 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. This office can be reached by phone at (404) 206-5300.
Seniors need to provide supporting documentation when they apply for Medicaid coverage. This documentation includes proof of Georgia residency, proof of citizenship status and their Social Security number. Seniors should also provide their most recent pay stubs, if applicable.
For more information about Georgia Medicaid or to receive help applying for coverage, call (800) 436-7442.
Medicaid Waivers
Georgia seniors who qualify for Medicaid and require the level of care provided by a nursing home may be eligible for assistance from one of the state’s two Medicaid waiver programs. These programs are Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment and the Community Care Services Program. There is a waiting list for both programs, and seniors can only participate in one program at a time.
SOURCE participants receive an individual care plan, which may include long-term health services. Assistance available through this program covers adult day health care, personal support and assisted living services. A comprehensive medical assessment determines eligibility for the program. This assessment also outlines what assistance a senior can receive through SOURCE. To apply for this program, seniors can call (866) 552-4464 to speak to a Home and Community-Based Services representative.
Seniors who participate in the CCSP can receive a variety of help in their own homes or in an assisted living facility. This assistance is monitored by a care coordinator and includes adult day health care, alternative living services and personal support services. To apply for this Medicaid waiver program, seniors can call the Area Agency on Aging at (855) 552-4464. The AAA conducts assessments to determine if seniors are eligible for the CCSP and then adds eligible seniors to the waiting list.