Georgia Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Georgia.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Georgia Department of Community Health
Processing Time
45-90 days; contact Georgia Aging & Disability Network at 1-866-552-4464 for waiver applications
Georgia Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Georgia, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Georgia follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,982/month (nursing home)
Married Couple (One Applying)
$5,964/month
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,000
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$162,660 (community spouse)
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Georgia Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $7,939/month average (semi-private), $8,365/month (private) (the average monthly nursing home cost in Georgia).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Georgia
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Georgia once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $7,939/month average (semi-private), $8,365/month (private). Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
Community Care Services Program (CCSP) - Alternative Living Services: Under Georgia's Elderly & Disabled Waiver Program, CCSP provides alternative living services including placement in personal care homes. Residents pay the personal care home $753/month (established rate as of 1/1/2025) from their SSI check. Medicaid covers care services but does not cover full room and board costs.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Georgia offers 2 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Community Care Services Program (CCSP)
Serves frail elderly and disabled Georgians otherwise eligible for nursing facility level of care. Provides case management, adult daycare, alternative living services, personal care, home-delivered meals, and respite care for family caregivers. Part of the Elderly & Disabled Waiver Program. Enrollment approximately 49,398 beneficiaries per year with 100 spots reserved for Alzheimer's patients.
Program Details →Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE)
Statewide Primary Care Enhanced Case Management Service under the Elderly and Disabled Waiver. Lower income requirement ($994/month for singles). Provides coordinated services in home or community settings with intensive care coordination.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Georgia
Georgia Medicaid applications typically take 45-90 days; contact Georgia Aging & Disability Network at 1-866-552-4464 for waiver applications. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Georgia through:
- Online through Gateway portal at gateway.ga.gov
- Mail to local Division of Family & Children Services office
- In-person at DFCS office
- Call 1-877-423-4746 for assistance
- TTY: Dial 711 for Georgia Relay
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Georgia from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Georgia-Specific Programs and Resources
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI)
QMB pays Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. SLMB and QI pay Medicare Part B premiums. Asset limits: $9,090 single, $13,630 married. Benefits may be granted retroactively up to 3 months. Contact Georgia SHIP at 1-866-552-4464 Option 4.
Learn MoreMoney Follows the Person (MFP)
Federal program helping institutionalized Medicaid-eligible persons transition back home or into the community with supports and transitional services.
Learn MoreNeed Help with Georgia Medicaid?
Contact Georgia Department of Community Health for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.
Main Office Phone
1-877-423-4746Application Helpline
1-877-423-4746Website
https://medicaid.georgia.gov