Medicaid is a program that’s funded jointly by the federal and state governments. It exists to provide basic medical coverage to low-income individuals throughout Georgia, including families, children, pregnant women and the elderly.
To qualify for Medicaid in Georgia as an elderly individual, seniors must have a personal care assessment, which determines their level of need. Financially, individual applicants may not have a monthly income that exceeds $2,250 and may not have assets valued at more than $2,000. Exempt assets include the individual’s home, household furnishings, personal belongings and a single vehicle.
Georgia Community Care Services Program Medicaid Waiver
Those who require access to long-term care may be able to receive financial assistance or fully covered services under a Medicaid waiver program called the Community Care Services Program Waiver. CCSP provides frail elderly individuals with supportive services while they continue living in their own home or in an assisted living facility. Its purpose is to reduce the number of seniors who receive care in nursing home facilities, which are exceptionally expensive when compared to home care and assisted living services and often create large deficits for Medicaid programs.
Under this program, seniors who reside in assisted living may receive help with the cost of care as well as regular nurse visits, access to medical care, prescription medications and transportation services. CCSP enrollment is limited, with a capacity of 19,000, which means that regardless of eligibility, some seniors may have to go on a waiting list. To learn more about the program or find out about wait times, seniors can call (866) 552-4464.