How do I Apply for Medicaid?

A person can apply for Medicaid by calling, writing, or visiting her local department of social services. The office of social services will provide her with an application to fill out in order to determine if she is eligible for Medicaid. If an applicant has access to the Internet, she can even apply for Medicaid online. Many states provide a toll-free number that people can call in order to receive answers to their questions concerning this government program.

People who have medical bills they cannot afford to pay or who meet specific age, disability, or income requirements may also be eligible for Medicaid. Those in some states who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically approved to receive Medicaid. When applying for the program, an applicant usually needs to bring documents to the Medicaid office. These materials usually include a birth certificate, proof of residence, proof of income, proof of what is owned by the applicant, and any medical bills.

Medicaid is a program designed for thousands of people throughout the U.S. who are unable to pay their medical bills. When a person receives Medicaid, all medical payments are paid directly to the service provider. Medicaid is only available to U.S. citizens or qualified aliens.

Qualified aliens include legal permanent residents, some refugees, aliens who have been granted asylum in the U.S., and others who fit certain criteria established by the federal government. Some low income families with children may apply for Medicaid as well as the elderly, blind, and disabled. Children who have been adopted or in foster care can also receive Medicaid. In order to determine eligibility, it's important that a potential applicant receives information from the local Medicaid office.

Although Medicaid is a federal program, each state determines whether or not an applicant is eligible to receive the assistance. Most Medicaid benefits include inpatient hospital care. It may sometimes include outpatient hospital care as well. The assistance sometimes covers the cost of both x-rays and labs. Dental visits, physician services, nursing facility care, and pregnancy services may also be covered by the federal program.

When a person decides to apply for Medicaid, she should realistically review her financial situation. If the applicant owns a fairly new car or a home, her chance of receiving government assistance is reduced. At times, an applicant may wish to contact her physician to write a letter on her behalf. A letter from a doctor that describes the applicant's health and financial situation may influence the Medicaid office's decision to grant federal assistance.