What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a medical assistance program that helps many people who can’t afford medical care pay for some or all of their medical bills. As an alternative to private health insurance, Medicaid is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and pays medical bills with State and Federal tax money.

Source: Department of Community Health-Article Medicaid Basics-2011 

What is Medicare?

Medicare is an insurance program that pays medical bills for people who are over 65 years old or who have disabilities. It is available to people who receive Social Security benefits regardless of how much money they have. It is operated by the Federal government and is paid for with money from the Social Security Trust Fund, which most people pay into while they work. Retired people and those with disabilities pay a monthly insurance premium for Medicare Part B. Individuals with heart problems are also covered.  This is usually taken out of their Social Security check before they receive the check.

You can find out more about Medicare at their website www.medicare.gov or contact them at 1-800-633-4227. You may also contact GeorgiaCares at 1-800-669-8387 for assistance with Medicare questions.

Source: Department of Community Health-Article Medicaid Basics-2011

 Can I have both Medicaid and Medicare at the same time?

It depends. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid and often receive Medicare as well. If you receive both Medicaid and Medicare, Medicaid will pay your Medicare premium, co-payments and deductibles. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you should show both cards to your medical care provider each time you receive services.

Source: Department of Community Health-Article Medicaid Basics-2011 

Process – How it works
What do I need to do?

Clients that are  being referred to the CCSP Program  by our agency have the advantage that we begin the Medicaid process for them. The Medicaid Application process will begin when the client and family meet with a CCSP program representative at the time of the in-home assessment. At that time the Medicaid Forms are filled out and signatures will be obtained on the necessary documents.

You may not need all of the following items, but the application process will move along more quickly if you have these kinds of documents ready at the time of the CCSP in-home assessment:

  • Original or certified copy of client birth certification or other proof of identity and citizenship
  • ID cards issued by federal, state or local government agencies.
  • Social security number
  • Paycheck stubs or W-2 forms covering at least the last four weeks.
  • Letters or forms that show client’s income from Social Security, SSI and all sources of income
  • Current health insurance policies, health insurance cards, etc.
  • Life insurance policies
  • Recent bank statements
  • Information about property client owns

How long does it take?

Client will be notified within 45 – 60 business days after they have applied.

 Any Special Circumstances?

If a client is aged (65 years old or older), blind or have a disability, they can apply for the SSI program by contacting the local Social Security office. If the client is approved for supplemental income, he or she will automatically receive Medicaid. Anyone may also apply for Medicaid at the DFCS office, but you will not be able to apply for supplemental income there. To find the closest Social Security office call 1-800-772-1213.

 Source: Department of Community Health-Article Medicaid Basics-2011

Medicaid Estate Recovery

When applying for Medicaid , clients and their families will be made aware of Medicaid Estate Recovery in Georgia. The information in this document informs the client and their family of what their rights are and how to proceed with the Medicaid application process.

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