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Alabama Medicaid Qualifications

Alabama residents who do not have access to or cannot afford private health insurance may apply to receive Medicaid coverage through the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Medicaid is available to families with children, pregnant women and disabled and elderly residents. Applicants must meet certain qualifying criteria including income and resource limits as well as residency and citizenship requirements. An application may be requested from the Alabama Medicaid Agency, completed and returned along with supporting documentation. You can also submit the application online through the state's website.

  1. Income

    • To qualify for Medicaid in the state of Alabama, applicants must meet specified income guidelines based on household size. Certain allowances are deducted including child care expenses, $90 for each employed household member and $50 for households receiving child support. Income must not exceed the federal poverty level by more than 33 percent and proof of income is required. Disabled individuals applying for Medicaid through the Social Security Administration may not have assets greater than $2000 for a single person or $3000 for a couple.

    Child Support

    • Low income families applying for Medicaid with children who have at least one parent absent from the home must cooperate with the Child Support Unit of the Alabama Department of Human Services. If no child support order exists, applicants must comply with procedures to establish a medical support order including paternity testing if necessary.

    Age

    • Medicaid is available to low income families with children under 19 years old. Elderly people age 65 and older who meet income requirements may also receive Medicaid benefits for health care that is not already covered by Medicare.

    Physical Condition

    • Pregnant women may qualify to receive prenatal and postnatal care up to two months following the birth of the baby through Medicaid. The newborn will also be covered by Medicaid for the first year of life if the mother’s Medicaid was active during her pregnancy and delivery. Blind or disabled people who qualify for Social Security Income (SSI) are automatically enrolled in Medicaid upon approval of an SSI application.

    Residency and Citizenship

    • To apply for Medicaid through the Alabama Medicaid agency, the applicant must be a resident of Alabama and able to provide proof of residency such as a current lease or utility bill showing the applicant’s name and address. Applicants must also provide documentation of U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate or a certificate of citizenship.

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