How to Apply for Medicaid

Medicaid is not Medicare, and though the two programs are government-run health programs, there is some difference between the two. The entire procedure of applying for Medicaid is quite simple and you do not have to leave your county to fill in the application. Medicaid is basically, a program which is a collaboration between the State governments and the Federal government. As the name suggests the Medicaid is a program of medical insurance where expenditures are funded and administered by the State and Federal governments, and is governed by the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The system and insurance program came into being under the Title XIX of the Social Security Act, on July 30, 1965. The basic aim of the Medicaid was to provide financial assistance for medical expenditure to some specific people and United States citizens who are either challenged economically, socially or suffer from some very prolonged ailments, such as HIV or cancer. People with disabilities are also provided with this program's benefits. The Supplemental Security Income program members also are a part of the Medicaid.

In some cases, the states have named their programs differently, for example, California has Medi-Cal, while Massachusetts has MassHealth, or the Oregon Health Plan, or TennCare for Tennessee. Though the name and certain specifications are a bit different, the basic mechanism of Medicaid is the same.

Applying for Medicaid

The first thing that I would recommend is, to check your State Medicaid program website. You can take a look at the resources that have been included on the website. You will get all the information and facts regarding the program of the State. Helplines, mailing addresses are all given on the website and you can use them to clear out any doubts. Also make it a point to check the premium-coverage on the website. While applying for the program, you will need to make it a two-fold process, first check the eligibility and the type of Medicaid, you are applying for and then make the actual application.

1. Eligibility
Almost any person irrespective of their age, marital status, health and gender can become a beneficiary of Medicaid program. There are 4 factions or groups that can become eligible for Medicaid application. Here are the specifications:

• The first group which is deemed to be applicable is of course, the mandatory eligible group that consists of limited income families with kids, kins of beneficiaries, infants and pregnant women who fulfill specified income related conditions become eligible for Medicaid. For the income related eligibility, you will have to see a schedule that is published by the state that determines eligibility.
• The second eligibility group is the optional eligibility group where individuals, in specific income groups, if a certain age group, people suffering from certain medical conditions such as institutionalized individuals, some cancer patients and individuals suffering from tuberculosis become eligible.
• The third category is of the people who have medical ailments and disabilities. The state of course depicts a certain schedule that indicates eligibility of people.
• Some other eligibility requisites include, individuals who are also eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Income and Resource Limits, Special Income Level, SSI Break-Even Points, and Spousal Impoverishment.

The Medicare program of the State, discloses a certain schedule, depending upon which, you can determine whether you are eligible as a beneficiary or not. The schedule differs from state to state, depending upon several factors such as economic conditions, demographics, etc.

2. How and Where to Apply for Medicaid
The County Department of Social Services (DSS), has an office in almost all counties. The application form can be filled and submitted at this office, along with the documents that are needed to apply for Medicaid.

• The primary documents include citizenship proofs and birth certificates. Basic identity documents with a photograph present are also required.
• All documents that are related to social security administration such as the social security cards, or the application number, in case if you have just applied, are required. A vehicle identification number (VIN) should be also included.
• Financial documents that are required include, copies of insurance policies, pay stubs, recent bank statements and current statements issued by all governments or government related agencies. This may include anything from, social security, retirement benefits, pensions, veteran benefits, and child support.
• Property statements regarding ownership of all vehicles, boats and real estate should also be included.

The form can be printed out and filled out on your own beforehand. In cases where you are not able to come to the DSS office, then a county representative comes to your place to help you complete the procedure.