Low-income Americans with limited resources may be eligible for health care coverage through Medicaid. A jointly funded collaboration between the federal and individual state governments, Medicaid is the country’s largest health care program and serves more than 72 million people nationwide.
Georgia Medicaid offers coverage to eligible elderly, blind and disabled residents for medical care, long-term care in a nursing home and limited personal care services. To qualify, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien and aged 65 or older (or aged 64 or younger and blind or disabled). Applicants must also have a maximum monthly income of $2,313 per person and maximum assets of $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples.
It’s important to note that while income from every source counts, certain assets are exempt, including a primary home valued at less than $585,000, household furnishings, personal belongings and one automobile.
Medicaid makes exceptions to these limits for married couples if only one spouse applies.
- A non-applicant spouse’s income is exempt, and an applicant may transfer up to $3,160.50 per month to their spouse if necessary to meet the required income limit
- A spouse remaining at home may also retain up to $126,420 of the couple’s joint assets
Those eligible for
Supplemental Security Income benefits from the federal government are automatically enrolled in Georgia Medicaid and don’t need to apply. The qualifying limits for SSI are $771 in monthly income and $2,000 in assets for individuals, and married couples are limited to $1,157 in income and $3,000 in total assets.
Roswell seniors in need of medical or long-term care assistance can apply for Medicaid online or in person at the Sandy Springs’
Division of Family and Children’s Services office located at 8215 Roswell Road., suite 1100. Those who need assistance can call (877) 423-4746.
Georgia Medicaid Waiver Programs Georgia Medicaid only covers long-term care in nursing homes. However, the program does offer two waivers that may provide assistance to seniors who wish to remain in the community instead of entering a nursing home.
To qualify, seniors must meet the Medicaid eligibility requirements and be assessed as requiring a nursing facility level of care.
The
Community Care Services program is administered by local Area Agencies on Aging. The agency assigns a care coordinator to assess an applicant’s needs in cooperation with their doctor. The coordinator then arranges and oversees the delivery of appropriate services. Available services and supports include personal care assistance and supervision provided in a licensed alternative living setting, such as an assisted living facility.
The
Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment program provides those who qualify with primary medical care and long-term care services in a community setting. Program enrollees are assessed, and a personalized care plan is developed to meet their particular needs. Covered services may include case management, personal supports and assisted living care.
Since the Medicaid waivers, CCSP and SOURCE, are not entitlements, approved seniors may be placed on a waiting list for services due to program enrollment caps.
To apply for either waiver program, Roswell seniors can contact the
Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Division at (404) 463-3333 to start the assessment process.