Where to start your Medicaid application in Georgia

In Georgia, you apply for Medicaid through the Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Family & Children Services. You can start your application online through the Georgia Gateway portal, by mail, in person at your local DHS office, or by phone. The online portal is the fastest route — you can submit everything without leaving home and track your case status in real time.

Georgia's Medicaid program covers low-income adults, children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. The income and resource limits depend on which category you fall into. Before you apply, you should know that Georgia has not expanded Medicaid beyond the federal baseline, so coverage for working-age adults without children or disabilities is very limited.

The application itself takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete online. You will need your Social Security number, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and information about anyone else in your household. If you are applying for a child, you need the child's birth certificate and Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply through Georgia Gateway online, by phone at 1-877-423-4746, by mail to your local DHS office, or in person — online is fastest and lets you check your status anytime.
  • You will need proof of income, proof of residency, Social Security numbers for everyone in your household, and a signed application.
  • Georgia Medicaid covers children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities at specific income limits, but does not cover most working-age adults without dependents.
  • DHS has 45 days to make a decision on your application, though many decisions come faster if your paperwork is complete.
  • If you are denied, you can request a fair hearing within 30 days — DHS will tell you how in the denial letter.

Applying online through Georgia Gateway

Georgia Gateway is the state's online benefits portal. Go to www.myflorida.gov/accessflorida — wait, that is Florida's portal. For Georgia, go to www.dhs.georgia.gov and look for the Georgia Gateway link, or search "Georgia Gateway" directly. Create an account with your email and password, then start a new application.

The online form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, income, household size, and the reason you are applying (child, pregnant, elderly, disabled, or other). Upload photos of your documents — a recent pay stub or tax return for income, a utility bill or lease for where you live. The system will tell you right away if something is missing.

After you submit, you will get a confirmation number. Write it down. You can log back into Georgia Gateway anytime to see whether DHS has asked for more information or made a decision. If DHS needs something else, they will send you a message in the portal and give you a deadline to respond — usually 10 days.

Applying by phone or mail

If you cannot or do not want to apply online, call DHS at 1-877-423-4746. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and can mail you a paper application to sign and return. This route takes longer — expect 2 to 3 weeks just for the paperwork to reach you, plus processing time.

To apply by mail, contact your local DHS office to request an application form. Fill it out completely, sign and date it, and mail it back with copies of your proof of income and proof of residency. Keep a copy for yourself. Mail takes longer than online or phone, so use this option only if the other routes are not possible for you.

You can also walk into your local DHS office in person and apply on the spot. An employee will help you fill out the form and collect your documents. This is useful if you have questions or need help gathering paperwork, but it means waiting for an appointment or standing in line.

What counts as proof of income

DHS needs to see your actual income for the past 30 days. A recent pay stub (within the last month) is the fastest proof. If you are self-employed, bring your most recent tax return and a profit-and-loss statement. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, child support, or other benefits, bring a letter from that agency or a bank statement showing the deposit.

If you have no income, bring a letter from your employer saying you were laid off, or a statement from your bank showing no deposits in the past 30 days. If you live with someone who supports you, that person's income counts toward your household total, and you will need their pay stub or tax return too.

Do not bring originals — bring copies. DHS will not return them, and you may need them for other purposes. If you cannot get a document right away, tell DHS what you are missing when you apply. They will give you a deadline (usually 10 days) to send it in.

Income limits for different Medicaid categories in Georgia

Georgia Medicaid income limits change each year and depend on your household size and which category you fall into. Children under 19 have a higher income limit than adults. Pregnant people have a higher limit than non-pregnant adults. Seniors and people with disabilities may have different rules.

As of 2024, a single adult with no children earning more than about $1,000 per month will not meet the income limit for most Georgia Medicaid programs. A pregnant person or a child may have a higher limit — sometimes up to $2,000 or $2,500 per month depending on household size. These numbers change yearly, so ask DHS for the current limits when you call or apply.

Your household income includes everyone living with you who is related to you or who shares expenses with you. If you are married, both spouses' income counts. If you have adult children living with you, their income counts too. DHS will ask you to list everyone in your household and their income.

What happens after you submit your application

DHS has 45 days to make a decision. If your paperwork is complete and clear, you may hear back in 1 to 2 weeks. If DHS needs more information, they will contact you through the portal (if you applied online), by mail, or by phone. You will have 10 days to respond. If you miss the deadline, DHS may deny your application, but you can reapply.

If you are approved, DHS will mail you a Medicaid card or tell you that you can use your Social Security number as proof of coverage. Your coverage usually starts on the first day of the month after you are approved, though in some cases it can start the day you applied. Check your approval letter for the start date.

If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request a fair hearing. You have 30 days from the date of the letter to ask for a hearing. At a hearing, you can present documents and explain your situation to a hearing officer. Many people win their cases at the hearing stage, so do not give up if you are denied the first time.

Renewing your Medicaid coverage

Georgia Medicaid coverage lasts 12 months. Before your coverage ends, DHS will mail you a renewal form or send you a message through Georgia Gateway. You must return the renewal form or update your information online by the deadline — usually 30 days before your coverage ends. If you miss the deadline, your coverage will stop, and you will have to reapply.

Renewal is simpler than the first application. You only need to confirm that your income and household size have not changed. If something has changed — you got a job, lost a job, moved, or someone moved in or out — tell DHS on the renewal form. Bring updated pay stubs or income letters if your income has changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Medicaid if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. U.S. citizens and may have access to immigrants can apply. Undocumented immigrants cannot get regular Medicaid, but Georgia does offer emergency Medicaid for urgent medical conditions. Ask DHS about your specific situation when you apply.

What if I am working but still have low income?

Working people can apply for Medicaid if their income is below the limit for their household size. Georgia's limits are strict — a single person working full-time at minimum wage may not meet the income threshold. Call DHS at 1-877-423-4746 to learn about your income qualifies before you spend time applying.

How long does it take to get a Medicaid card after I am approved?

DHS mails Medicaid cards within 7 to 10 days of approval. Your coverage starts on the date listed in your approval letter, even if the card has not arrived yet. You can use your Social Security number as proof of coverage at the doctor or hospital while you wait for the card.

What if I need Medicaid right away for an emergency?

Apply online or by phone as soon as possible. Tell DHS that you have an urgent medical need. Some categories (pregnant people, children) are processed faster. If you have an emergency before your application is approved, go to the emergency room — they must treat you regardless of insurance status, though you may receive a bill later.

Can I apply for my child if I do not have Medicaid myself?

Yes. Your child can have Medicaid even if you do not. Children have their own income limits, which are usually higher than adult limits. Fill out the application and list your child's information. You will need your child's birth certificate and Social Security number, plus proof of your household income.