How to apply for SOURCE — Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment in Georgia

Who it's for

SOURCE (Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment) is a Georgia Medicaid program that combines the home- and community-based services of the Community Care Services Program with enhanced primary-care case management. It is designed for frail seniors and adults with disabilities who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare-style assistance and who would otherwise need nursing-home care. A care coordinator links each member to a primary-care physician and arranges in-home personal support, home-delivered meals, adult day health, respite, and emergency response so the member can stay safely at home. To qualify you must be a Georgia resident, meet a nursing-home level of care, and be financially eligible for Medicaid (the program serves members who qualify as a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary). Apply through your local Area Agency on Aging or the Aging & Disability Resource Connection.

What you'll need

• Proof of Georgia residency and identity
• Medicaid eligibility (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary status)
• A care assessment showing nursing-home level of care
• Proof of income and countable resources

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about SOURCE — Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment. 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 Georgia residency and identity, medicaid eligibility (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary status), a care assessment showing nursing-home level of care — 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. Confirm that you meet the basic eligibility requirements: you must be a Georgia resident, qualify for Medicaid as a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, and need a nursing-home level of care but want to remain at home.
2. Gather your required documents: proof of Georgia residency and identity, proof of Medicaid eligibility (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary status), proof of income and countable resources, and any records that support a nursing-home level of care.
3. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Aging & Disability Resource Connection to start your application — call 866-552-4464 or apply online through the Georgia Department of Community Health (Medicaid).
4. Complete a care assessment arranged through the agency. This assessment confirms whether you meet the nursing-home level of care required for SOURCE.
5. Work with the agency to review your options. A care coordinator can help determine whether SOURCE or the companion Community Care Services Program (CCSP) is the better fit for your needs.
6. Submit all required documents along with your completed application and assessment to finalize your eligibility determination.

What to expect: After submitting your application and care assessment, the Georgia Department of Community Health (Medicaid) will review your eligibility. Because eligibility depends on an individual care assessment, processing times vary — ask the agency for an estimate when you apply. If approved, a care coordinator will be assigned to link you with a primary-care physician and arrange in-home services such as personal support, home-delivered meals, adult day health, respite, and emergency response. Your care plan will be reviewed annually, so be prepared to provide updated information at that time to maintain your enrollment.

Renewals

annual care plan review