Medicaid is a public assistance program administered by states within the U.S for low-income earners, disabled citizens and lawful aliens.

Every State covers some health care areas, including specific medical services. However, some details differ from one State to the next.

Medicaid can also cover Medicare payments, deductibles, premiums and coinsurance, which means that you can be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

You can apply for Medicaid help if you think you might qualify, but you must know how to go about it.

Most times, many people doubt if they will qualify, so they refrain from applying. However, you never know for sure until you try.

When you apply, a caseworker will go through your details to determine your eligibility for Medicaid benefits. 

You should also note that you can apply every year because although you didn’t qualify the previous year, you could be eligible the following year. 

If you are interested in applying for Medicaid, here is a step by step guide to follow 

Step 1- Check Your State Eligibility Standard 

You can find out if you are eligible for Medicaid help in your State by calling the Medicaid office in your State or reading the eligibility requirements on the official website.

 Step 2- Prepare All You Need for the Application

Make sure you have all the necessary documents before sending your Medicaid application as you can be disqualified if you provide incomplete information. 

Below is a list of documents you will need for an application. Note, however, that some requirements may vary from State to State.

• Proof of Citizen/ Alien status
• Proof of Age (birth certificate or driver’s license) 
• Disability proof (only if you are applying based on disability)
• Proof of income (this should cover all your income sources including retirement benefits, veteran benefits, tax returns, etc.)
• Proof of residence (mortgage document, statement or receipt from a landlord, and recent mail)
• Proof of Assets and resources (bank statements, or records of other financial resources)
• Other insurance proof (a copy of your Medicare cards and other insurance cards)

Step 3- Submit Your Application

Generally, Medicaid applications may be in stages including an online upload, hard copy submissions and also personal application. Your State, however, will decide the process.

You can appeal the rejection of a Medicaid application if you feel you are eligible and you submitted all relevant information. 

During your appeal, you need to prove that you rightly qualified. 

Every State will send their acceptance of denial response 45 days after your submission, or 90 for applications based on disability. 

Review Your Medicaid Application Yearly

To continue with the Medicaid program, you must submit a new application every year alongside information that might have changed within the past year.

Such information might include your alien status, income and resources. 

You will need to update all information that is subject to change yearly, while details such as your birth certificate or driver’s license may not be required since you submitted it the first time.