How to apply for Georgia Medicaid (Aged, Blind & Disabled)

Who it's for

Georgia Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) is the state's full-benefit Medicaid for low-income seniors 65 and older and for people who are blind or disabled at any age. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, lab work, and medical equipment, and works alongside Medicare to pay costs Medicare doesn't. Georgia is an SSI (1634) state, which means anyone who receives federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is automatically enrolled in Medicaid with no separate application. Seniors who don't get SSI may still qualify under the same SSI financial standards — monthly income at or below the SSI benefit rate ($994 for an individual, $1,491 for a couple) and countable assets at or below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). Countable assets exclude the primary home and one vehicle. Seniors whose income or assets are slightly over the limit may still get help through other Georgia Medicaid pathways such as the Medicare Savings Programs or the Community Care Services Program waiver.

What you'll need

• Proof of identity (Georgia driver's license or state ID)
• Social Security card
• Medicare card (if enrolled)
• Proof of all income (Social Security award letter, pension statements)
• Bank statements and documentation of countable resources
• Proof of Georgia residency
• Proof of citizenship or qualified immigration status

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Georgia Medicaid (Aged, Blind & Disabled). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of identity (Georgia driver's license or state ID), social Security card, medicare card (if enrolled) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your required documents: a Georgia driver's license or state ID, your Social Security card, your Medicare card (if you have one), proof of all income such as a Social Security award letter or pension statements, bank statements and documentation of countable resources, proof of Georgia residency, and proof of citizenship or qualified immigration status.
2. Check whether you already receive federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you do, Georgia automatically enrolls you in Medicaid — no separate application is needed.
3. If you do not receive SSI, review the financial limits before applying. For a single person, monthly income must be at or below the SSI benefit rate and countable assets at or below $2,000. For a couple, the asset limit is $3,000. Your primary home and one vehicle are not counted as assets.
4. If your income or assets are slightly over the limit, know that other Georgia Medicaid pathways — such as the Medicare Savings Programs or the Community Care Services Program waiver — may still be able to help. You can ask about these when you apply.
5. Apply online through the Georgia gateway portal or call the Georgia Medicaid line at 877-423-4746 to apply by phone or get help with your application.
6. Complete all sections of the application and submit every required document. Missing documents can slow down a decision, so double-check that everything is included.
7. After submitting, watch your mail for any requests for additional information from the Division of Family & Children Services, and respond promptly to avoid delays.

What to expect: After you submit your application, the Division of Family & Children Services will review your eligibility. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate when you apply. If approved, your coverage will help pay for doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, lab work, and medical equipment, and it will work alongside Medicare to cover costs Medicare does not pay. Renewal is required every year — you will receive a notice when it is time to renew, and you must report any changes in income, assets, or household status in the meantime. Note for married couples: if one spouse needs long-term care, Georgia's spousal-impoverishment protections allow the spouse who stays home to keep a protected share of assets and income. The state Medicaid agency calculates the exact protected amounts; contact the agency directly for details specific to your situation. This is not legal or financial advice.

Renewals

annual