Medicaid is a federal-state program providing health coverage to over 65 million low-income people across the country, including pregnant women, people with disabilities and elderly adults. In Georgia, many basic health care needs are covered by Medicaid, such as physician services, surgical services and hospital services. Through two waiver programs, the state offers coverage for assisted living and other long-term care options. These two waivers are described in detail below. In Georgia, seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for Medicaid. Other Georgia seniors may be eligible for the program if they:
- Are U.S. nationals, U.S. citizens or immigrants with a satisfactory status
- Earn less than $30,851 annually ($41,768 for couples)
- Have less than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for couples)
For the purposes of Medicaid eligibility,
assets are items such as stocks and bonds, certificates of deposit and bank account balances. Many assets, including a person’s primary residence and one motor vehicle, are not counted. In Georgia, there are many ways to
apply for Medicaid. The state provides a convenient
online application portal, but applications are also accepted in person at County Division of Family and Children Services offices. Seniors may choose to apply at their local Social Security Administration office. For more information about Medicaid in Georgia, call (800) 436‑7442.
Community Care Services Program (CCSP) The CCSP helps Georgia seniors avoid or delay moving into a nursing home. It provides coverage for a wide variety of services that can help seniors remain in their own homes or elsewhere in the community. These services include:
- Licensed assisted living facilities
- Personal support services
To receive these waiver services, seniors need to have a physician-verified need for nursing home care but want to live elsewhere. In addition, they have to be eligible for Medicaid. Seniors who are already participating in another Medicaid waiver program are not eligible for CCSP. Seniors who are interested in this waiver can contact the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) at (866) 552-4464 to set up an assessment. The program has a waiting list, but a senior’s position on the list is based on their need for services, not just how long they’ve been waiting.
Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE) SOURCE is similar to the CCSP in that it’s designed to help seniors stay out of nursing facilities. The program offers primary medical care, case management and long-term care services to frail elderly people who would otherwise require nursing home care. Depending on a senior’s needs, the services offered by the program may include assisted living services, home-delivered meals or personal support services. Seniors may apply for SOURCE if they’re eligible for Medicaid and need a nursing home level of care. The toll-free number for Home and Community Based Services is (866) 552-4464. Since Georgia seniors can only participate in one waiver program at a time, seniors already enrolled in the CCSP cannot participate in SOURCE.