Georgia Medicaid Rules for Assistance to the Aged

Georgia's Department of Community Health oversees the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid provides health coverage to certain low-income individuals, including the elderly, the disabled, pregnant women and children. The Medicaid program also outlines rules for long-term and hospice care and other services that are most frequently utilized by the elderly population. Elderly is defined by the state as age 65 and over. Residents may apply for Medicaid at the local Department of Community Health office.

Citizenship and Residency

• You must be a United States citizen or qualifying alien and Georgia resident to be eligible for Georgia's Medicaid program.

Income and Resources

• Residents must meet income and resource limits to qualify for Medicaid. As of 2010, if elderly and requiring hospice, a nursing home, assisted living or other long-term care, the income limit is $2,022 per month. If elderly and not involved in any of these services, contact the local Department of Community Health to determine exact income limit. The resource limit for elderly individuals is $2,000 and $3,000 for couples.

Long-Term Care

• Georgia offers long-term care programs for the elderly. There is the Community Care Services Program for impaired elderly or disabled individuals who reside in the community independently but require some assistance. The Independent Care Waiver Program offers assistance for the impaired elderly or disabled individuals that live in the community independently but require close supervision and care. Each of these types of care typically has a waiting list, so it is recommended that to apply as soon as possible.