What Do You Need to Apply for Medicaid?

Santa isn’t the only one who benefits from making a list and checking it twice. When you’re applying for Medicaid—a government program that provides critical healthcare coverage to many Americans, especially seniors and those with disabilities—it’s a good idea to make sure you have all the documentation you need ahead of time to ensure a smoother application process and a higher likelihood of acceptance.

Read on for a clear, concise checklist that covers everything you’ll need to gather before you start filling out your Medicaid application. We’ll identify the items necessary and provide tips for organizing them effectively. 

Medicaid Application Checklist

Before you apply for Medicaid, use the following checklist to ensure you have everything you need ready:

Personal Medicaid Requirements

• Your Social Security card (or proof of your social security number)
• Birth certificate and photo ID (e.g., a driver’s license or passport)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Spouse’s death certificate (if applicable) or divorce decree (if applicable)
• Medicare card
• Veteran’s papers (if applicable)
• Power of attorney information
• Proof of residency before moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home (copy of deed, lease agreement for apartment, etc)
• Deed for any other property currently owned
• Medicaid application, signed 

Income Requirements

• Copy of Social Security check or award letter from Social Security
• Pension check or other type of income (annuities, stock, dividends, mortgage income, interest income, etc.)
• Income Tax Returns and 1099s filed within the last 60 months (i.e., five years)
• IRA account statements for the prior 60 months 
• Bank books for the prior 60 months
• Checking account statements for the prior 60 months
• Savings bonds and stock certificates
• Life insurance policies
• Automobile/recreational vehicle titles
• Burial plot deeds
• Burial fund arrangements
• Statements for the prior 60 months for any other resources 
• Annuity statements for the prior 60 months
• Financial authorization form, signed

Medical Requirements

• Any unpaid medical bills or nursing home bills incurred in the past three months
• Health insurance premiums
• Health insurance card
• Pension checks or proof of other income, including stock, dividends, annuities, mortgage income, and interest income
• Proof of any medical expenses unpaid at the time of application 

Read more: What Are Medicaid’s Income Restrictions?

Organize the Documents You’ll Need to Apply for Medicaid

Struggling to keep track of all the documentation mentioned above? Here are a few tips for keeping everything organized:

1. Create a dedicated Medicaid application folder: Use a physical folder or digital files to keep all relevant documents in one accessible location.
2. Label and categorize clearly: Label each document and sort them by category (e.g., income, medical, identity, etc.) for easy reference.
3. Make copies: Always keep copies of your original documents for your records and future reference.
4. Hire a pro: If you’re not sure you can comfortably manage the application on your own or you’d rather spend your time doing something else, look into hiring a professional who can organize the information for you and help ensure your application is approved.   

Gathering your documents ahead of time can streamline your application, reduce stress, and improve your likelihood of timely approval. Remember, Medicaid requirements and regulations vary by state, so double-check local guidelines or consult a professional before you apply for Medicaid. Adequate preparation not only helps you avoid delays but also ensures you maximize your chances of approval.

Read more: What Are the Medicaid Lookback and Penalty Periods?

Get Help on Your Application

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—we’re here to help. Tell us about your situation and discover the right solution for you.