Where to start your Georgia Medicaid application

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 usually the fastest route because you get a confirmation number immediately and can check your status anytime.

Georgia's Medicaid program is called Peach Care for Kids (for children), Georgia Medicaid (for adults and families), and Georgia Medicaid for the Elderly and Disabled. Which program you may be able to use depends on your age, income, and household situation. Before you apply, you should know that Georgia has not expanded Medicaid beyond the federal baseline, which means the income limits are lower than in some other states.

The application itself takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete online. You will need your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or ID). Have these documents ready before you start, because you may need to upload them or provide them later.

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 usually fastest.
  • Georgia Medicaid income limits are lower than the federal poverty line for most household sizes, so check the current limits before you apply.
  • You will need proof of income, proof of residency, and your Social Security number; have these ready before you start your application.
  • DHS typically makes a decision within 30 days, but you can check your status anytime through Georgia Gateway.
  • If you are denied, you have 30 days to request a hearing to challenge the decision.

Using the Georgia Gateway online portal

The Georgia Gateway is the state's online system for Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits. Go to gateway.ga.gov, create an account with your email and a password, and then start a new application. The system will ask you questions about your household size, income, expenses, and citizenship status. Answer each section completely — if you skip a question, the application may be delayed.

As you fill out the form, the system will tell you which programs you may be able to use based on your answers. You do not have to apply for all of them; you can choose which ones to include. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number — you will need it if you call DHS or if you need to check your status later.

After you submit online, DHS will send you a message through your Georgia Gateway account asking for documents. You can upload them directly through the portal, or you can mail them to the address DHS provides. Do not wait to be asked — you can upload documents as soon as you submit your application to speed up the process.

Applying by phone or mail

If you do not have internet access or prefer to apply by phone, call the DHS Customer Service Center at 1-877-423-4746. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your Social Security number and income information ready. The representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and will tell you what documents to send in.

To apply by mail, contact your local DHS office to request an application form, or download it from the DHS website. Fill it out completely, attach copies of your proof of income and residency, and mail it to the address on the form. Keep a copy for your records. Mail applications take longer to process — usually 30 to 45 days — because DHS has to receive and scan your documents.

If you apply in person, go to your local DHS office with your documents. A caseworker will help you fill out the form and can answer questions about what you need to provide. This route is useful if you have questions or if you need help understanding the form, but it does not speed up the decision time.

What documents you need to provide

DHS requires proof of income for everyone in your household who works. Acceptable documents include recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and pay rate, or your most recent tax return. If you are self-employed, bring your tax return and bank statements showing business income. If you have no income, you may need to provide a statement explaining your situation.

You also need proof of residency — a document showing your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID with your address works. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, DHS has a separate process; call the customer service line to ask about your options.

For citizenship or immigration status, you will need to provide your Social Security number or proof of citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may still be able to use some Medicaid programs depending on your immigration status. Bring your passport, green card, or other immigration documents if you have them. DHS will verify your status through federal databases, so do not worry if you do not have physical proof.

Income limits and what counts as income

Georgia Medicaid income limits are set as a percentage of the federal poverty line and vary by household size. For 2024, a single adult can earn no more than about $1,550 per month; a family of three can earn no more than about $2,600 per month. These limits change yearly, and they are lower than the federal poverty line. Check the current limits on the DHS website or ask when you call, because the numbers change.

DHS counts most types of income: wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and rental income. Some income does not count, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for certain people, some student financial aid, and certain types of assistance. If you are not sure whether your income counts, list it on your application and let DHS make the information.

DHS looks at your gross income (before taxes) for most programs. If you are self-employed, they will count your net business income (after business expenses). If you receive irregular income — such as seasonal work or bonuses — DHS will average it over the past three months or the past year, depending on the program.

Timeline and what happens after you apply

DHS has 30 days to make a decision on your application from the date they receive all required documents. If you apply online and upload documents right away, you may hear back in two to three weeks. If you apply by mail or if documents arrive slowly, the full 30 days may pass. You can check your status anytime by logging into Georgia Gateway or by calling customer service.

If DHS approves you, they will send you a notice by mail explaining which program you are in, your coverage start date, and any monthly premiums or copayments you may have. Your coverage usually starts on the first day of the month after you are approved. If you are approved mid-month, your coverage may start immediately or on the first of the next month — the notice will specify.

If DHS denies your application, they will send you a written notice explaining why and telling you how to request a hearing. You have 30 days from the date of the notice to ask for a hearing. At the hearing, you can present new information or challenge DHS's decision. You do not need a lawyer, but you can bring one if you want.

After you are approved: what to do next

Once you are approved, you will receive a Medicaid card in the mail within one to two weeks. Your card has your member ID number on it. When you go to a doctor or hospital, give them your card and let them know you have Medicaid. Some providers may ask you to update your information or fill out a new patient form; this is normal.

You must report changes to DHS within 30 days: if your income increases, if someone moves into or out of your household, if you get married or divorced, or if your address changes. You can report changes through Georgia Gateway, by phone, or by mail. If you do not report changes, DHS may stop your coverage or ask you to repay benefits you were not supposed to receive.

Your Medicaid coverage is usually good for 12 months. Before your 12 months are up, DHS will send you a notice asking you to renew. You can renew online through Georgia Gateway, by phone, or by mail. If you do not renew by the deadline, your coverage will end.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on your immigration status. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and some other immigrants can use Georgia Medicaid. Undocumented immigrants cannot use regular Medicaid, but Georgia does have a limited program for emergency services. Call DHS customer service to discuss your specific situation.

How long does it take to hear back after I apply?

DHS has 30 days from the date they receive all your documents. If you apply online and upload documents immediately, you may hear back in two to three weeks. If you apply by mail, it may take the full 30 days. You can check your status anytime through Georgia Gateway.

What if my income is too high for Georgia Medicaid?

If your income exceeds Georgia's limits, you may still be able to buy coverage through the federal health insurance marketplace at healthcare.gov. You may also be able to get a tax credit to lower your monthly premium. Some employers offer health insurance as well. Call 211 to speak with a navigator who can explain your options.

Do I have to pay a premium for Georgia Medicaid?

Most Georgia Medicaid members do not pay a monthly premium. Some groups — such as parents and caretakers — may have small premiums depending on their income. DHS will tell you in your approval notice if you have a premium. You may have copayments when you use services, but these are usually small.

What do I do if DHS denies my application?

You have 30 days from the date of the denial notice to request a hearing. You can request a hearing by phone, mail, or through Georgia Gateway. At the hearing, you can present new information or explain why you think the decision was wrong. You do not need a lawyer, but you can bring one.