How to Sign Up

Application

Depending on how you qualify for disability-based Medicaid, there are different ways to sign up.

If you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you should sign up for it by applying with Social Security, because you'll get monthly cash payments and automatic Medicaid coverage. Learn how to apply for SSI.

If you qualify for Medicaid by other rules, if you're not sure how you might qualify, or if you already applied for SSI and are waiting for your benefits to start, you can apply for Medicaid in a few ways:

• Online using Georgia Gateway. Georgia Gateway lets you apply for other programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), at the same time.
• In person at your local Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office.
• By downloading the Application for Benefits (Form 297), completing it, and faxing or mailing it to your local Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office.

Note: For information about how to apply for a specific Medicaid waiver program, read DB101's article about waivers.

Retroactive Coverage

When you apply for disability-based Medicaid, you can ask to have your coverage begin up to three months before the month you apply, as long as you were also eligible for Medicaid in those months. So if you apply for Medicaid in April but have unpaid medical bills from the previous three months (January, February, and March), you could have Medicaid pay for those medical bills.

Staying on Medicaid

If you get Medicaid through SSI, your Medicaid coverage will continue as long as you get benefits. If your situation changes, like your income, resources, or living situation, it could affect your SSI benefits. Learn more about reporting changes to Social Security.

If your benefits go down to zero because you go back to work, you may be able to keep your Medicaid coverage through SSI's 1619(b) rule. Learn more about getting Medicaid through 1619(b).

Reporting Changes

If you don't get Medicaid automatically through SSI or 1619(b), you will usually continue to get it for 12 months after you are approved if your situation does not change. Every 12 months, Medicaid will take a look at your situation and make sure you still qualify.

If your income, resources, disability status, immigration status, residency, or household size changes, report the change to your local Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office. Your caseworker will tell you whether you will continue getting Medicaid or if you have new health coverage options. You can also report changes using Georgia Gateway.