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How to apply for Medicaid health insurance

Member
By stoicsentry
User-Submitted Article
(6 Ratings)

If you do not receive coverage through a job it is often hard to afford it otherwise. You may want to apply for Medicaid instead. This is a State based health insurance program available throughout the U.S. designed to provide coverage to those who qualify based on their age, residency, citizenship or legal status, income level and family size. If you do not have the kind of care you need then you should not delay: you should apply for medicaid today because the process could take weeks or even months depending on your situation.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Proof of age, identity, citizenship and/or immigration status
  • Proof of residency, income and resources
  • Time and patience
  1. Step 1

    Visit the relevant website for the State that you want to apply for Medicaid in. Links are provided below in the resource section.

  2. Step 2

    You should check whether or not you can sign up online. If you can do so in your area then the website should inform you as to what kind of documentation you will need to submit and how. If you have to apply in person, bring the documentation listed in the steps below to describe your situation in life.

  3. Step 3
     

    You need proof of your age as this may be necessary to determine your eligibility when you apply for Medicaid. Acceptable proofs can include: a birth certificate, religious documentation (like a baptismal certificate), a drivers license or non-driver photo ID or a passport. Make a photocopy of one of these.

  4. Step 4

    Next you are going to need to verify your identity, citizenship or immigration status. The government has to actually know who you are. Documents that you can utilize here may include: a passport, social security card, immigration paperwork or a green card, a birth certificate and more. The more of these documents you can find, the better. Be sure to photocopy each proof on a separate piece of paper.

  5. Step 5
    Health is a blessing far greater than wealth.
     
    Health is a blessing far greater than wealth.

    Proof of your income is one of the most important things you will need when you apply for Medicaid! That is because your income affects your eligibility for programs. You will need to prove one whole month worth of income such as four paycheck stubs (if paid weekly) or two paycheck stubs (if paid bi-weekly). If you are self-employed, your tax papers from the previous year should suffice. If you receive child support, you should get a copy of your award letter from the government or a letter from the person that pays you the support indicating how much he or she pays you each month.

  6. Step 6
     

    Depending on your situation you might need to provide proof of your resources. A second home, a second car, bank accounts, stocks and bonds are examples of resources. The proofs for these items vary, but bank accounts are the most common. If you have a bank account you should obtain as many recent monthly statements as possible.

  7. Step 7

    The final proof you are going to need is an item to verify your address. You can only apply for Medicaid in the State in which you reside. There are various acceptable proofs that can meet this requirement: a recent dated letter from a State organization, a recent handwritten letter addressed to you, a drivers license issued within the past 6 months, a recent utility bill with your name and address on it, a rent receipt or a letter from your landlord.

Tips & Warnings
  • If you need to sign up in person, bring copies and the original version of the paperwork listed here to the best of your ability. If you can sign up online, the system should provide you with an explanation as to what you will need.
  • Depending on your situation you may need to provide proof of resources. If so, your local social services worker will be able to help you determine what you need.
  • If you have any questions, browse your social services website for a phone number: there should be one there.
  • Try to check your eligibility for programs before you collect the needed paperwork.
  • Do not lie about your income or anything else when you sign up.

Comments  

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on 10/26/2009 thanks for the advice on to apply for medicaid health insurance. So many people don't know what to do or how to got it. One problem some have if you were sick with a pre- condition it makes it very hard to get any kind of health insurance. If you didn't have insurance at the time. 5*

starlet67 said

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on 5/23/2009 Great tips and pics!5*

sonni57 said

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on 3/16/2009 Good suggestions on how to apply for Medicaid health insurance. I'll pass it on.

elyria said

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on 3/8/2009 Great advice and very informative! 5*

dmobile said

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on 2/25/2009 I hope I never have to use it, here in philadelphia medicaid, gives you a hard way to go for people who are older and need insurance.

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