How to Qualify for Medicaid in Georgia

You never know when you may suffer from an injury or illness. Health insurance is designed to cover medical expenses, but can be very costly. Since not everyone can afford health insurance, Medicaid is the federal insurance program for low-income individuals. Each state has its own Medicaid program with specific requirements for eligibility. If you are a Georgia resident, you can obtain a Medicaid application by visiting the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services.

Instructions

• 1

  Fall into an eligible category. Medicaid in Georgia is offered to children under the age of 19, parents or legal guardians of children under the age of 19, pregnant women, elderly and blind or disabled individuals. To be considered elderly, you must be at least 65 years of age. Terminally ill patients not expected to survive more than six months are also entitled to Medicaid coverage.

• 2

  Meet citizenship requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen to receive Georgia Medicaid coverage. You will need to provide proper documentation, including your driver's license, Social Security card and birth certificate.

• 3

  Receive less than the income limits. There are specific income guidelines applicants must meet. You will need to fall a certain percentage level below the current poverty level, depending on your eligibility group. For example, a pregnant woman can earn 200 percent of the poverty level, which is $1,805 per month. The income limit for a children age 6 to 19 and adults is 100 percent of the poverty level, or $903 per month for a household size of one.

• 4

  Possess less than the maximum amount of assets. Medicare recipients who are elderly, blind or disabled and are applying for Medicare to supplement benefits, cannot exceed $6,600 in assets for an individual and $9,910 in assets for a couple. Blind or disabled applicants without Medicare, pregnant women and children cannot exceed $2,000 in assets or $4,000 for couples. Those seeking nursing home care are allowed $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. There is no resource limit for low-income adults.