Georgia’s Medicaid program provides health care benefits to low-income residents aged 65 and older, although individuals younger than 65 may qualify if they demonstrate the need for nursing home care or have a disability. Eligible seniors receive medical and behavioral health care with an emphasis on prevention. In addition to other benefits, enrollees receive a no-cost annual well visit, which may include health screenings, medical counseling and adult immunizations, such as flu shots.
Income limits may vary depending on an applicant’s current living situation, but some basic guidelines apply. To qualify, aged, blind or disabled individuals who receive SSI income should earn no more than $771 per month and have less than $2,000 in total resources. The limit for married couples receiving SSI is $1,157 per month with no more than $3,000 in assets.
Individuals who demonstrate a need for a nursing facility level of care but are capable of living independently with the assistance of community services should have a monthly income of no more than $2,313 with assets not exceeding $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples. For qualified Medicare beneficiaries, income limits are $1,061 per month for individuals and $1,430 per month for married couples applying jointly, with asset limits of $7,730 and $11,600 respectively.
Eligible seniors may apply in person at the Bibb County DFCS office in Macon or online at Georgia Gateway. For further information, interested individuals can call (877) 423-4746.
Georgia also has several Medicaid waiver programs that may help state residents offset the costs of assisted living or supplement it with additional services. Individuals may only enroll in one waiver program at a time.
Community Care Services Program
Administered by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging, CCSP is designed to provide seniors in need with community-based services as an alternative to nursing home placement. Interested seniors are assigned a care coordinator, who assesses needs, helps develop an appropriate care plan and sets up delivery of services. Available benefits include personal emergency response systems, skilled nursing and personal support services.
To qualify, seniors must demonstrate a functional impairment due to a physical limitation and have physician approval for an intermediate level of care at a nursing facility. Individuals must be Medicaid-eligible and want to remain in a community setting. While the program has limited openings, priority is given to individuals demonstrating the most need.
For more information or to request services, interested seniors should contact the Middle Georgia Regional Commission or call Georgia’s Area Agency on Aging’s statewide toll-free number: (866) 552-4464.
Service Options Using Resources in a Community
SOURCE delivers primary care, case management and long-term health services to frail elderly or disabled individuals in a community-based setting, providing an alternative to nursing home care. To qualify, individuals must be Medicaid-eligible and demonstrate a medical need for an intermediate nursing home level of care. Applicants are assessed for eligibility and service requirements.
Benefits include assisted living programs, personal support services, emergency alert systems, 24-hour physician access and case management. Seniors are actively involved in care decisions and may designate family members to participate in care.
For additional information or to apply, seniors can phone the Home and Community-Based Services toll-free number at (866) 552-4464.