Step-by-Step Guide to enrolling in Medicaid

 

1.   Complete the DC Integrated Application for Medical Assistance: 

This is the primary application form for Medicaid in Washington DC. It asks for detailed information about your household, income, and assets. 

·      For example, you'll need to provide information about everyone living in your household, their relationships to you, their ages, and their income. This helps determine if you're eligible for Medicaid based on your household size and total income. 

 

2.   Provide Proof of Residency: 

You need to show that you live in Washington DC. This can be done by providing a document that has your name and current address on it. 

·      Examples of such documents could be a utility bill (like an electricity or water bill), a lease agreement showing you rent a home in DC, or a letter from a government agency sent to your DC address.

 

3.   Provide Proof of Income and Assets: 

You need to show how much money you and your household make and what assets you have. Income can be from jobs, self-employment, alimony, retirement funds, etc. 

o   Pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns can serve as proof of income (I caution against using tax returns – DO NOT).

o   Assets include things like bank account balances, property, or vehicles you own. However, not all assets count towards Medicaid eligibility. 

a.     Income: Income refers to the money that you and other members of your household earn or receive. This can come from a variety of sources, not just from employment. Here are some examples:

                                               i.     Employment: This is income earned from working a job. It could be a full-time job, part-time job, or even occasional work. You can prove this income by providing pay stubs, which are documents given to you by your employer that show how much you've been paid.

                                             ii.     Self-Employment: If you run your own business or work as an independent contractor, this is considered self-employment income. You can prove this income by providing a profit and loss statement, which is a document that shows how much your business has earned and spent over a certain period.

                                            iii.     Alimony: If you're divorced and receive money from your former spouse, this is considered alimony. You can prove this income by providing a copy of your divorce decree or a bank statement showing the alimony payments.

                                            iv.     Retirement Funds: If you're retired and receive money from a pension, 401(k), IRA, or other retirement fund, this is considered retirement income. You can prove this income by providing a statement from your retirement fund.

b.     Assets: Assets refer to valuable items that you own. Some assets can be turned into cash and therefore could potentially be used to pay for medical care. Here are some examples:

                                               i.     Bank Account Balances: The money you have in checking, savings, or other bank accounts is considered an asset. You can prove the amount of this asset by providing bank statements.

                                             ii.     Property: If you own real estate other than your primary home, it's considered an asset. This could be a rental property, a vacation home, or land. You can prove the value of this asset by providing a property tax statement or an appraisal.

                                            iii.     Vehicles: If you own a car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle, it's considered an asset. You can prove the value of this asset by providing a statement from your auto loan provider or a valuation from a source like Kelley Blue Book.

c.     However, not all assets count towards Medicaid eligibility. For example, the home you live in and one vehicle are often excluded. The rules can be complex and vary by state, so it's important to check with your local Medicaid office to understand exactly what counts as an asset.

d.     Remember, the purpose of providing proof of income and assets is to verify that you meet the financial eligibility criteria for Medicaid. If your income and assets are below certain limits, you may qualify for Medicaid. These limits vary by state and by the size of your household

 

4.   Provide Social Security Number: 

If you have a Social Security number, you'll need to provide it. This is a unique number assigned to you by the government, often given at birth or when you become a U.S. citizen or resident. 

·      If you don't have a Social Security number, there may be other documents you can provide instead, such as a foreign passport or immigration documents.

 

5.   Apply Online or In-Person: 

You can apply for Medicaid in two ways:

a.     Online: The fastest way to apply is online through the District Direct Online Portal. This is a website where you can fill out and submit your application electronically.

b.     Mobile App: You can also apply through a mobile app. This is a program you can download onto your smartphone or tablet and use to fill out and submit your application.

c.     In-Person: If you prefer to apply in person, you can do so at an IMA Service Center. These are physical locations where you can go to get help with your application. You can call (202) 727-5355 to find the nearest IMA Service Center.

 

6.   Enroll in a Managed Care Organization (MCO): 

Once you're approved for Medicaid, you'll need to enroll in a Managed Care Organization (MCO). An MCO is a health insurance provider that offers Medicaid plans. You can compare different MCOs on the DC Healthy Families website to see which one offers the services and doctors that best meet your needs.

(This part is isn’t necessary. If you don’t select one, an MCO will automatically be assigned to you. Also, expect a new MCO to be assigned to you every 1 January. The business model behind MCOs is such bullshit that it’s hard for them to stay in business.) 

 

7.   Follow Up: 

After you submit your application, it's important to follow up to check on the status. You can do this by contacting the Department of Health Care Finance. They can tell you if your application was received, if they need more information from you, or if a decision has been made.

 

Remember, eligibility for Medicaid in Washington DC is based on several factors including age, disability status, and income level. 

·      For example, if you're 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, and have resources at or below $4,000 for a single person, you may qualify. 

·      SSI recipients and those receiving home and community-based services may also be eligible.

 

For more detailed information, you can visit the official DC Medicaid website or call 202-727-5355 for any questions. Always check with the official resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.