The Process Of Applying For Medicaid

To apply for Medicaid coverage in most states you will have to contact or physically go to the proper office and obtain an application. You can usually apply online for food stamps. If you are unable to go to the office for an application and interview, because of health reasons, then you can have an application mailed to you, and after it is received an interview can be conducted by phone.

You must be an American citizen and provide a social security number that is valid and matches up to yours that is on file with the Federal Government. If the number cannot be verified, then proof must be shown to back it up. You can also submit proof of naturalization if that category applies to you.

If you currently have health insurance, you may keep it instead of acquiring medicaid, but you may be able to receive assistance in paying that premium under certain circumstances.

If you are in the hospital or a clinic, applications can also be completed at that time as well. If you and your family are accepted by medicaid, you will have one of two choices to make as to how your medical care will be delivered.

In many states, pregnant women and their children can apply at most hospitals, clinics, and provider offices as well as the state welfare offices. If a person has difficulty finding a place to apply, they should call their state department of social services for advice.

You may be required to supply proof of identity, proof of income, which might be W-2 statements of pay stubs from income sources. In some states if you already receive any supplemental income from the state or federal government agencies, you may qualify for medicaid automatically.

Each member of the family can choose their own medical options such as doctor and hospital. Each person can choose a managed care or a fee for service plan.

If you choose a fee for service plan, you must choose your doctor and find out what hospital affiliation applies. You may also choose your current doctor. There is no difference in the medical care you or your family will receive under either option, so you may choose whichever option is the best for each individual.

The doctor can be in private practice, or he or she might work for a community health center or a clinic, or a managed care plan. Be sure to line up your doctor with whatever hospital he is authorized to work through, just so you know where all the moving parts are.

If your choice is a managed care plan, you will be working through a primary care doctor, who will do all initial appointment and screening, and then you will be referred to any specialists or hospitals that work within that system. You will always work through primary care doctor for any reason whether someone has the sniffles, or for an emergency. Some managed care plans offer additional benefits such as dental and vision benefits.