Georgia Nursing Home Medicaid: When and How to Apply

Applying for Georgia Nursing Home Medicaid can seem daunting. There are so many questions and seemingly few ways to get solid information.

Hurley Elder Care Law addresses some of the most frequent questions about applying for Nursing Home Medicaid in Georgia in our most recent blog.

How do you apply for Nursing Home Medicaid in Georgia?

Nursing Home Medicaid applications are handled by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, or DFCS. Each county has their own DFCS office, and they have one centralized Long Term Care Unit. You can submit your application to DFCS in several different ways. More on this…

How do I know if I will qualify?

Nursing Home Medicaid rules are complicated, and it really depends on your particular situation.  Many nursing home residents qualify for Medicaid and don’t realize it. You can learn more about eligibility criteria here, or call Hurley Elder Care Law for a complimentary phone consultation at (404) 843-0121. We can usually tell you if you’re eligible for Medicaid after asking you a few questions.

When should you apply for Nursing Home Medicaid in Georgia?

You can only be eligible for Nursing Home Medicaid after meeting a Length of Stay Requirement.  Currently, that requirement is 30 days of continuous institutionalization. In other words, you can apply for Medicaid after being in a hospital and/or nursing home for at least 30 days.  Many families want to apply for Medicaid while still at home and then move into a nursing home once approved. Unfortunately, the process does not work that way, even for individuals with other types of Medicaid.

Where should you apply for Nursing Home Medicaid in Georgia?

You can apply for Nursing Home Medicaid in a few different ways:

            1. Using the on-line Georgia Gateway system.

            2. Applying in person at your local DFCS office.

            2. Working with the nursing home’s business office manager or Medicaid Specialist.

            3. Hiring a Certified Elder Law Attorney.

Who can help you with the Nursing Home Medicaid application in Georgia?

You can receive help with your application from a DFCS worker, the nursing home business office manager, or a Certified Elder Law Attorney. A DFCS worker and/or nursing home business office manager can assist you when your application is simple.  A Certified Elder Law Attorney may be necessary when you are worried about protecting your assets, including the value of your home, or your dependents.  The nursing home employees and DFCS workers may not be interested in protecting your assets or in advising you of your rights. An attorney will act as an advocate on your behalf.

What is needed to apply for Nursing Home Medicaid in Georgia?

Georgia requires you to submit substantial proof of your situation in order to be eligible for Nursing Home Medicaid. Submitting an incomplete or inaccurate application can delay your approval and cost you thousands in nursing home bills. You can find a list of necessary documents that must accompany your application here.

The experts at Hurley Elder Care Law build a complete and accurate application, submit it to DFCS, and continue to follow up on the application until its approval.  We also provide court representation with the Administrative Law Judges as needed to get approval for each application (at no extra charge to our clients!).

Hurley Elder Care Law has a team of experts ready to help you apply for Nursing Home Medicaid in Georgia. It all starts with a complimentary phone consultation, so reach out to us today at (404) 843-0121 or through our website.