Understanding Medicaid
How to Apply for Medicaid
Anyone who applies for Medicaid can do so in person (by
going to the local DFCS, health department or Social
Security office), or by requesting forms to be mailed to
you that you can fill out at home. There are several
different ways to apply for Medicaid.
You can contact DFCS in your county. The DFCS office
will take your application or help you find other places to
apply, such as schools, hospitals or community centers near
your home. You can visit the Web sites of the Georgia
DCH, the Georgia Health Partnership or DHR, as well.
Right from the Start Medicaid outreach project has
workers available to take applications early in the morning,
in the evenings and on weekends.
If you think you are pregnant, contact your county health
department, primary health care center or hospital. (Call
the Georgia Division of Public Health at 404-657-2700 to
find out where to apply in your county). If you are preg-
nant and eligible, you can get a Medicaid certification
form on the same day that you apply. You can get prenatal
care for yourself and your baby immediately.
If you are aged (65 years old or older), blind or have a
disability, apply for the SSI program by contacting your
local Social Security office. If you are approved for
supplemental income, you will automatically receive
Medicaid. You may also apply for Medicaid at the DFCS
office, but you will not be able to apply for supplemental
income there. (Call 1-800-772-1213 or go to www.ssa.gov
to find the closest Social Security office). People who are
deaf or hard of hearing may call the Social Security
Administration toll-free TTY number at 1-800-325-0778
between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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