In the event you become disabled due to an accident or an injury, there are programs available to help pay for medical care. Medicaid is one such program.
If you are disabled as the result of an accident or injury in Georgia and are worried about providing for yourself and your family, you should know that there are programs available to meet your needs and to provide financial and medical support. Medicaid is one such program. The system, administrated by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH), uses state and Federal funds to support low-income individuals, pregnant women, and families who meet specific income requirements. If you are approved for coverage, some or all of your medical bills will be paid by the Medicaid system.
The first step in receiving Medicaid coverage is to determine your eligibility. This may be best accomplished with the help of a Medicaid representative who is versed in eligibility and can offer advice on your particular case. You will need to apply for coverage and supply financial and medical documentation to establish your eligibility to enter the program. These documents may include (but are not limited to) a birth certificate, social security information, pay stubs, documentation of your income and SSI benefits, health insurance documentation, bank statements, and owned property information. These documents will provide a comprehensive view of your financial situation and will help determine your eligibility for Medicaid services.
The process can take four to six weeks (with the exception of expectant mothers, who can be covered upon application), depending upon the detail of documentation, and whether it satisfies the due diligence requirements for approval.
In addition to the aforementioned financial reporting requirements, to be approved for Medicaid coverage, you must fall under the disability guidelines of the program. Generally, you qualify for Medicaid coverage if you are a child living in a low-income household, a pregnant woman, a senior (over the age of 65 in Georgia), suffer from partial or full blindness, or have a disability that prevents you from working and carrying out other routine daily activities. If you are disabled, you must be under the care of a doctor that has implemented an ongoing care plan for you. The doctor must certify in writing that you suffer from a physical or other disability that prevents you from working, and limits your abilities to perform routine tasks. So long as the disabling condition exists, you can be covered for medical expenses under the Medicaid plan.
In addition to the coverage of medical bills, if you are disabled and unable to leave your home, you may be eligible to receive extra occupational support and home services to meet your needs. These options can be discussed with a Medicaid representative, who can help establish a plan specifically designed to meet your ongoing physical and financial needs.
