Understanding Medicaid : a handbook about Medicaid services in Georgia

Important Information
My Medicaid number (printed on Medicaid card): My caseworkers name: My caseworkers telephone number: My county DFCS office (for reporting changes): My county SSA office (if you receive SSI): My doctors name: My doctors telephone number: My pharmacy: My pharmacys telephone number:

Table of Contents
What is Medicaid? ................................................................... 1 About this Handbook ............................................................... 2 Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in Georgia? .......................... 3 Should You Apply for Medicaid?........................................... 4 How to Apply for Medicaid .................................................... 6 What Documents are Needed to Apply for Medicaid? ... 8 What Happens After You Apply for Medicaid? ................ 9 How Does Medicaid Work? .................................................. 11 About Co-Payments ................................................................ 12 About Your Medicaid Card ................................................... 14 Types of Medicaid Cards ...................................................... 17 What Does Medicaid Cover (Pay For)? ............................. 20 Whats Not Covered? ............................................................ 23 Your Rights and Responsibilities ........................................ 24 Questions and Answers about the Georgia Medicaid Program ..................................................................................... 26

What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a medical assistance program that helps many people who cant afford medical care pay for some or all of their medical bills.
Good health is important to everyone. If you cant afford to pay for medical care right now, Medicaid can make it possible for you to get the care that you need so that you can get healthy and stay healthy.
If you have applied and are approved for Medicaid, you will receive a Medicaid card in the mail. Show your Medicaid card to your doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or at the hospital or clinic when you go for medical services. Make sure they will accept Medicaid as payment for services.
After you have received your medical care, the Medicaid program will pay the doctor, clinic, or other provider for your care.

1 Understanding

Medicaid

About this Handbook...
Sometimes, the Medicaid program and its rules may seem hard to understand. This handbook will help you understand how the Medicaid program works, and whether the program can help you and your family.
If you think you or your family members may be eligible for Medicaid, this handbook also will explain how to apply for Medicaid, and how to get medical services after you have been approved.
Although every state has a Medicaid program, each states program is different. This handbook explains how Medicaid works in Georgia.
Look for this telephone symbol to find telephone numbers that will help you get more information about Medicaid. Write down the names and numbers of your caseworker, your doctor, and your pharmacy on the inside front cover of this handbook, so that youll have them when you need them!
Look for this light bulb to find ideas and helpful hints about applying for Medicaid and using Medicaid services.

2 Understanding

Medicaid

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in Georgia?
Many groups of people are covered by Medicaid. Even within these groups, though, certain requirements must be met. These may include your age; whether you are pregnant, disabled, blind, or aged; your income and assets; and whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant.
When you apply for Medicaid, the requirements listed above will be taken into account before a decision is made.
Your child may be eligible for coverage if he or she is a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant, even if you are not. Eligibility for children is based on the childs status, not the parents.
In general, you should apply for Medicaid if your income is low and you match one of the descriptions below:
You think you are pregnant
You are a child or teenager
You are over the age of 65
You are blind
You are disabled
You need nursing home care.
Please see the next page for more details.

3 Understanding

Medicaid

Should You Apply for Medicaid?
When you apply for Medicaid, your application will be carefully reviewed by a trained staff member. In general, you should apply for Medicaid if you match the descriptions below:
Pregnant Women: Apply for Medicaid if you think you are pregnant. You may be eligible whether or not you are married. If you are on Medicaid when your child is born, both you and your child will be covered. You may be covered for another 60 days after your
childs birth. Your child may be covered for up to one year.
Children and Teenagers: Apply for Medicaid if you are the parent or guardian of a child who is 18 years old or younger and your familys income is low, or if your child is sick enough to need nursing home care, but could stay home with good quality care at home. If you are a teenager living on your own, you may apply for Medicaid on your own behalf.

If you or someone in your family needs health care, you should apply for Medicaid even if you are not sure whether you qualify. Some income and resources do not count against you. For example, owning your home will not stop you from getting Medicaid.
Every group has its own income limits, which increase on a regular basis. For example, in 2000, the monthly income level is $2,360 for a family of 3 and $2,842 for a family of 4. Apply and have a qualified caseworker evaluate your situation.

4 Understanding

Medicaid

If you apply for Medicaid for your children and learn they are not eligible, ask about PeachCare for Kids or call 877-427-3224 (toll-free) for more information.

Aged, Blind, and Disabled People:

Apply if you are aged (65 years old or older), blind, or disabled and have low income and few resources (such as bank accounts, real property, or other items that can be sold for cash).

Apply if you are terminally ill and want to receive hospice services.

Apply if you are aged, blind, or disabled; live in a nursing home; and have low income and limited resources.

Apply if you are aged, blind, or disabled and need nursing home care, but can stay at home with special community care services.

Apply if you are eligible for Medicare and have low income and limited assets.

Some Other Situations:

Apply if you are leaving welfare and need health coverage.

Apply if you are a family with children under 18 and have very low or no income and few resources. (You do not have to be receiving a welfare check.)

Apply if your income is higher than the limits and you have medical bills you owe (and you are pregnant, under 18 or over 65, blind, or disabled).

5 Understanding

Medicaid

How to Apply for Medicaid
Anyone who applies for Medicaid can choose to apply in person (by going to the local Department of Family and Children Services, health department, or Social Security office), or by requesting forms to be mailed to you that you can fill out at home. There are several different ways to apply for Medicaid.
You can contact the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in your county. The DFCS office will take your application or help you find other places to apply, such as schools, hospitals, or community centers near your home. The Right from the Start Medicaid (RSM) outreach project has workers available to take applications early in the morning, in the evenings, and on weekends. For more information, call 1-800-809-7276.
If you think you are pregnant, contact your county health department, primary health care center, or hospital. (Call the Georgia Division of Public Health at 404-657-2700 to find out where to apply in your county.) If you are pregnant and eligible, you can get a Medicaid certification form on the same day that you apply. You can get prenatal care for yourself and your baby immediately.
If you are aged (65 years old or older), blind, or disabled, apply for the SSI (Supplemental Security Income) program by contacting your local Social Security office. If you are approved for SSI, you will automatically receive Medicaid. You may also apply for Medicaid at the DFCS office, but you will not be able to apply for SSI there. (Call 1-800-772-1213 to find the closest Social Security office.)

6 Understanding

Medicaid

Telephone Numbers and Web Sites:
To locate your county DFCS office, look in the blue pages of your telephone book for Family and Children Services
To locate a county health department, call: 404-657-2700 or look in the blue pages
To locate a Social Security Administration office near you, call: 1-800-772-1213
For questions about Right from the Start Medicaid (RSM), call: 1-800-809-7276
For questions about your Medicaid card, call: 1-800-282-4536 (or 404-656-3200)
For questions about Georgia Better Health Care (GBHC), call: 1-800-246-2757 (or 404-982-3535 in Atlanta)
To learn more about Georgia Medicaid, stop by your local library and log onto the Internet. The web site address is www.state.ga.us/dma

7 Understanding

Medicaid

What Documents are Needed to Apply for Medicaid?

When you apply for Medicaid, the application process will move along more quickly if you have information about yourself and your children handy. You may not need all of the items on this list, but these are the kinds of documents that will help:

Your birth certificate or other proof of age (such as a census record, insurance policy, school transcript, etc.)

Your social security number, if you have one

Paycheck stubs, payroll records, or recent W-2 forms

Letters or forms that show your income from Social Security, SSI, VA, retirement, pensions, unemployment, workers compensation, child support, etc.

Current health insurance policies, health insurance cards, or other health insurance information

Life insurance policies

Your 3 most recent bank statements or bank books

Information about property you own (such as land, or stocks and bonds), or property you plan to buy or have transferred.

If you have any trouble finding this type of information, ask your caseworker for help.

8 Understanding

Medicaid

What Happens After You Apply for Medicaid?
This section describes the process for DFCS. If you apply for SSI through the Social Security Administration (SSA), the process is somewhat different.
Once you complete an application for Medicaid, a Medicaid caseworker will interview you and review your application. The caseworker will make sure that all of the needed information has been provided.
If you have medical bills from the past 3 months that you were not able to pay, let your caseworker know about them when you apply. If you are eligible for Medicaid, it
is possible that some of these bills may be paid by Medicaid, even if you were not enrolled in the program at that time.
You will find out whether or not you are eligible for Medicaid within 45 days after you apply. You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether or not you are eligible. (If you are disabled and your disability has to be determined, the process may take up to 90 days.)
If you are eligible for Medicaid, you will receive a Medicaid card each month. Because the card will be mailed to you, it is very important to let your DFCS caseworker (or the Social Security Administration, if you receive SSI) know your new address whenever you move, so that your new card will get to the right address each month. (More details about the card are provided on page 14.)

9 Understanding

Medicaid

Its a good idea to carry your Medicaid card with you at all times, in your purse or wallet, so you will have it with you when you need to show it to a doctor or pharmacist to receive services. Since your personal situation may change for example, if you get a different job or if your family size changes the Medicaid program will review your situation from time to time to make sure that you are still eligible. If your situation changes, you must call your DFCS caseworker or the Social Security Administration (SSA) office as soon as you know about any changes.
When you apply for SSI or Medicaid, let DFCS know about any medical bills from the last 3 months. Its possible that Medicaid may help pay for some of them.
Understanding 10 Medicaid

How Does Medicaid Work?
Once you are eligible for Medicaid, there are two different ways that you can receive medical services. You may participate in Georgia Better Health Care (GBHC) or receive services from any provider who accepts Medicaid payments. Each of these is described below.
Georgia Better Health Care (GBHC)
Most people who are eligible for Medicaid will be enrolled in the Georgia Better Health Care (GBHC) program. You may choose your GBHC doctor. If you do not choose one, GBHC will match you and your children with a doctor in your community. (You and your children may have different GBHC doctors.) Your GBHC doctor will provide your health care, keep your medical records up-to-date, send you to a specialist when necessary, and refer you to the hospital when needed.
If you are enrolled in GBHC, you will receive a lime green card that lists the name, address, and phone numbers for your GBHC provider. If you want to change your GBHC provider, call GBHC member services at 1-800-246-2757 (or 404-982-3535 in metro Atlanta) and talk to a representative.
Not everyone may participate in GBHC. Nursing home patients, some pregnant women, and recipients who will be eligible for Medicaid for only a short time may not participate. Medicaid recipients who receive both Medicaid and Medicare may choose to participate in GBHC.
Understanding 11 Medicaid

Other Medical Care Providers Who Accept Medicaid
If you do not belong to GBHC, you will not be assigned to a doctor or organization for your health care.
When you need a check-up or any medical care that is covered by the program, you can present your blue or yellow Medicaid card to any doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or clinic that accepts Medicaid. After you have received your medical care, the Medicaid program will pay the doctor or clinic directly.
About Co-Payments
Depending on your Medicaid category, you may have to make a small co-payment when you receive your medical care, but Medicaid will pay most or all of the bill. Your Medicaid card will show you whether you are required to make a co-payment. You cannot be denied service because you are not able to pay the co-payment. However, your provider may bill you for the co-payment amount.
Doctors, hospitals or other health care providers enrolled in the Medicaid program must accept Medicaid as payment in full, except for co-payment amounts.
Understanding 12 Medicaid

Healthy Ideas



Before you visit the doctor, dentist, or

pharmacist, write down your questions so that

you wont forget to ask them. Or, take a

friend or relative along to help.



If your doctor or dentist writes you a

prescription for medicine to make you feel

better, fill the prescription and follow your

doctors instructions, even if you start feeling

better right away. Ask your doctor or

pharmacist if you have any questions about

taking your medicine.



For your safety, make sure your doctor is

aware of all medications that you are

currently taking.



If you cant make it to an appointment with

your doctor or dentist, call to cancel or

reschedule the appointment as soon as you

know you cant make it, so someone else can

be seen at that time.

Understanding 13 Medicaid

About Your Medicaid Card

The Medicaid card is actually a sheet of colored paper that is the size of a piece of notebook paper. It is also called the Medical Assistance Certification.

There are four different types of Medicaid cards, and

each one is a different color. You will only receive one

type of card. The color of the card will help you and your

doctor or pharmacy determine which services

are covered for your particular situation. (See

the next section of this handbook for more information on the four types of cards.)

MEDICAL AS ELIGIBILITY CE
PROGRA

Persons Eligible: Who is Covered?

PERSON(S) ELIGIBL

All Medicaid cards will show the names,

MEDICAL PROVIDE

Medicaid numbers, sex, and birthdays of those PHARMACY

who are eligible for Medicaid. (For example, if you and your children are eligible for Medicaid,

INFORMATION OR OTHER INSTRUCTIONS

the card would show your name as well as your

childrens names.) Sometimes, a household will

receive several different cards. Each card will

show the name or names of those covered. Always use

the card with your name on it.

Pharmacy and Prescription Information
The bottom left corner of the card is a tear-off portion for prescriptions from a pharmacy. Your pharmacist will remove and keep this portion of the card when you get your first prescription filled each month. Because of this, its important to use the same pharmacist for the entire month if you need more than one prescription.
Understanding 14 Medicaid

Your Medical Care Provider

The middle part of the card will show information about your medical care provider if you are enrolled in Georgia Better Health Care (GBHC). It will also show whether or not you have to make a co-payment pay a small amount out of your own pocket when you receive certain
services.

SSISTANCE ERTIFICATION AM NAME
LE

Record of Limitations: Reaching Medicaid Limits

The bottom right corner of the card shows

R INFORMATION

when you have reached the limit for Medicaid service in a year. For example, some adults are

RECORD OF LIMITATIONS

limited to 12 doctors office visits per year. Look in the bottom right corner to see whether

you have reached this limit or another limit that

applies to you. If you reach a limit on a service,

it is possible to get approval for more of that

service. Your provider will know how to obtain this

approval.

Other Instructions
The back of your Medicaid card includes instructions for you and for your medical providers, as well as notices about changes in services.

Understanding 15 Medicaid

Make Your Medicaid Card Work for You!
Remember -- your card is the same size as a sheet of paper. Read your card carefully -- front and back. Keep your card in your purse or wallet so that youll have it with you when you visit your doctor, dentist, or pharmacy. Your Medicaid card is only for you and the members of your family who are listed on the card. It is against the law for anyone else to use your card. If you dont receive your card, call the Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) at 404-656-3200 or 1-800-282-4536, Monday - Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Understanding 16 Medicaid

Types of Medicaid Cards
There are four different colors of cards, one for each different set of Medicaid services. You will receive only one type of card the one that matches the services for which you are eligible. The descriptions below will help you match the card you receive with the types of services covered by Medicaid.
Medical Assistance Eligibility Certification Georgia Better Health Care
If you are eligible for Medicaid through Right from the Start Medicaid (RSM) for children, Low Income Medicaid (LIM), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will probably be enrolled in the Georgia Better Health Care (GBHC) plan and will receive a lime green card. This means that you must see a GBHC doctor for your medical care. You will be able to choose which GBHC doctor you would like to see, and your doctors name and telephone number will be printed on your Medicaid card. (If you do not choose a doctor, one will be assigned to you.) You are eligible for all services covered by Medicaid.
Your GBHC doctor is called a Primary Care Provider (PCP). The doctor will provide your care and help you receive services you need from specialists and other care providers. You can receive the following services without approval from your doctor: dental care, mental health care, family planning, and non-emergency transportation.
Understanding 17 Medicaid

Medical Assistance Eligibility Certification
This gold-colored card is sent to Medicaid recipients who are not enrolled in GBHC. If you receive this type of card, you are eligible for all services covered by Medicaid. The Medicaid number for this card ends in the letters P or S.
Medical Assistance Medicare Cost-sharing Eligibility Certification
If you receive this cherry-colored card, you are a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, or QMB. This means that Medicaid will pay your Medicare premiums, co-insurance, and deductibles on your behalf. The Medicaid number for this type of card ends in the letter Q.
Medical Assistance Presumptive Eligibility Certification
If you are pregnant and have been temporarily approved for Medicaid, you will receive this blue card. If you receive this card, you are eligible for all Medicaid services except inpatient hospital services and delivery procedures. However, you will be eligible for hospital services and delivery procedures when you get your permanent Medicaid card. You should receive this card within 60 days. (It will look like the gold card described above.) The purpose of this type of card is to help pregnant women get started with prenatal care as early as possible in their pregnancy, without delays caused by the application process. The Medicaid number for this card ends in the letter K.
Understanding 18 Medicaid

Need a Ride?
Georgia Medicaid has agreements with several companies to arrange nonemergency transportation to and from Medicaid health care services. Each company covers different regions of the state. Call the company for your area for help with transportation. If possible, call at least 3 days before your appointment. Here are the numbers to call: North Georgia: 770-319-6128 or 1-888-217-8870 Atlanta: 404-763-2592 Central Georgia: 1-888-224-7981 East Georgia: 1-888-224-7988 Southwest Georgia: 1-888-224-7985
Understanding 19 Medicaid

What Does Medicaid Cover (Pay For)?

Its always a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist whether the specific service or item you need is covered by Medicaid. There are some limits to these services, and some may require you or your doctor to get permission first. (This is called prior approval.) Generally, though, Medicaid covers the following services:



Doctors and nurses office visits (when you

visit a doctor or nurse for check-ups, lab

tests, exams, or treatment)



Prescription drugs



Inpatient hospital services (room and board,

drugs, lab tests, and other services when

you have to stay in the hospital)



Outpatient hospital services (services you

receive in a hospital, even though you do not

stay in the hospital overnight)



Nursing facilities (nursing homes)



Emergency ambulance services



Preventive dental care,fillings, and oral

surgery for children



Emergency dental care for adults



Non-emergency transportation (to get to

and from medical appointments)

Understanding 20 Medicaid



Medical equipment and supplies prescribed

by a doctor for use in your home (such as

wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers)



Exams, immunizations (shots), and

treatments for children (see box, below)



Family planning services (such as exams,

drugs, treatment, and counseling)



Home health services ordered by a doctor

and received in your home (such as part-

time nursing, physical therapy, or home

health aides)



Hospice care services provided by a

Medicaid hospice provider



Vision care for children (limited services for

adults)



Hearing services for children

Check Out HealthCheck!
Medicaid pays for most medical services that children need. The Georgia program that provides check-ups and immunizations for children under 21 is called HealthCheck. Ask your doctor about it!
Understanding 21 Medicaid

Some other services covered by Medicaid include:



Case management



Diagnostic, screening, and preventive services



Laboratory services



Medicare cost sharing



Mental health clinic services



Mental Retardation (MR) Waiver services



Community Care services



Independent Care Waiver services



Nurse midwife and nurse practitioner services



Nurse visits in the home after delivery of the

baby



Orthotics and prosthetics (artificial limbs and

replacement devices)



Podiatry services



Psychological services (for people under the age

of 21)



Therapy services (physical, occupational, and

speech)



Rural Health Clinic and Federally Qualified

Health Center services



Childbirth education classes



Birthing center services



Dialysis and services for end-stage renal

(kidney) disease



Durable medical equipment.

Understanding 22 Medicaid

Whats Not Covered?
Some services are not covered by Medicaid. These include: private duty nursing, services given by a relative or member of your household, cosmetic surgery, disposables (such as adult diapers, cotton, or bandages), experimental items, and chiropractic services -- among others. If youre not sure, ask your provider!
If you are not sure whether a service is covered or not, ask your medical care provider (listed on your Medicaid card) or call the Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) at 404-656-3200 or 1-800-2824536.
Understanding 23 Medicaid

Your Rights and Responsibilities
Once you are eligible for Medicaid, you are guaranteed certain rights, but you also have some responsibilities that go with those rights. Be aware of your rights and responsibilities:
Your Rights
You have the right to apply for any assistance program of your choice.
You have the right to timely and adequate notice. You must receive notice in writing before Medicaid takes any action to end your Medicaid eligibility.
You have the right to a fair hearing if you disagree with a decision regarding your Medicaid eligibility or if you feel that Medicaid has not served your medical needs properly. To request a hearing, contact your county DFCS office quickly -- as soon as possible after you have received a notice about eligibility or services.
You have a right to fair treatment. Medicaid cannot deny you eligibility or benefits based on your race, age, sex, handicap, national origin, or political or religious beliefs. To report eligibility or provider discrimination, call 1-800-533-0686.
Understanding 24 Medicaid

Your Responsibilities
You are responsible for providing true and complete information about your circumstances, including your income, the size of your family, your current address, and other information that helps Medicaid decide whether or not you continue to be eligible for Medicaid services.
You are responsible for reporting changes in your circumstances. If your income, resources, living arrangements, family size, or other circumstances change, they could affect your eligibility. It is your responsibilitiy to let your caseworker or the Social Security Administration (SSA) know about these changes within 10 days of the change.
If you receive payments from any other type of insurance or health-related payments, you must give the State of Georgia the rights to these payments. These might include private health insurance, Medicare, CHAMPUS, or car, home, or dental insurance. Be sure to report any of these sources of insurance to your caseworker when you apply for Medicaid. You also need to report whether you receive any money from an injury received in an accident.
Understanding 25 Medicaid

Questions and Answers about the Georgia Medicaid Program
What if I lose my card?
If you lose your Medicaid card, call the Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) to get a new one. You can reach DMA at 404-656-3200 or 1-800-2824536, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
What if I need services while Im away from Georgia?
If you need medical services while youre in another state, the doctor or hospital treating you must call DMA (1-800-766-4456) to get prior approval before providing services. (If you are in an emergency situation and are taken to a hospital emergency room, you do not have to get prior approval.)
What if I move to a new address in Georgia?
If you move, let your caseworker at DFCS know your new address, so that you can continue to receive your Medicaid card every month. If you receive SSI, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to report your new address.
Understanding 26 Medicaid

How do I change my GBHC provider?
Call 1-800-246-2757 (or 404-982-3535 in Atlanta) for information on changing your GBHC primary care provider.
What if Im not eligible for Medicaid?
Children under 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid may be eligible for PeachCare for Kids. PeachCare for Kids has most of the same benefits as Medicaid. Call 1-877-GA-PEACH (1-877-4273224) for more information.
The Georgia Partnership for Caring Foundation (GPCF) serves all Georgians in need regardless of age or citizenship status. GPCF refers individuals who qualify to participating voluntary providers. For more information, call 1-800-982-GPCF.
What if I get a bill from a health care provider?
If you get a bill from a doctor, hospital, or other provider you think Medicaid should have paid, call 1-800-766-4456 or write to the Recipient Relations Unit, DMA, 2 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30334 and ask for a Fullard review. DMA will investigate to see whether Medicaid should have paid the bill. It will send you a letter of the findings.
Understanding 27 Medicaid

What if my Medicaid is cut off or if it is not meeting my medical needs properly?
If you get a notice saying your Medicaid is being cut off or that a service will not be covered and you think it is a mistake, ask for a fair hearing right away. It is important to ask for the hearing within 10 days from the date on the notice if you want to keep on getting services while you appeal. Call or write your DFCS office to ask for the hearing. If you call DFCS, follow up in writing within 15 days.
You can ask for a fair hearing if something goes wrong with your Medicaid, even if you did not get a notice about it. At the fair hearing, an independent person will take information from you and from Medicaid and make a decision about your case.
When can I go to the Emergency Room (ER)?
Medicaid tries to make sure that you have a doctor of your own through Georgia Better Health Care (GBHC). Part of the reason is to keep you from having to use the hospital emergency room when it is not necessary. Your own GBHC doctor can keep your medical record up-to-date and make sure you get complete care. The doctor has someone available to talk to you at night and on weekends or holidays.
If you or your child becomes sick or injured, most of the time it is best to try to reach the doctor by telephone for advice. However, if you really believe the situation is an emergency and you have to get care immediately, go to the emergency room right away.
Understanding 28 Medicaid

How to Get More Information about Medicaid
Contact the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office in your county to apply for Medicaid, to check on your application, or to change any information about yourself and your family. To contact DFCS, look in your local phone book under Family and Children Services (usually in the blue county government pages).
To located the Right from the Start Medicaid (RSM) office nearest you, call 1-800-809-7276.
To contact the county health department to apply for Medicaid for pregnant women, look in your local phone book under Health or Public Health (in the blue county government pages) or call 404-657-2700.
To contact the Social Security office in your area to apply for SSI or to report any changes in your address or circumstances, call 1-800-772-1213.
If you do not have your card with you and a medical provider or pharmacist needs to verify that you are eligible for Medicaid, ask him or her to call Electronic Data Systems (EDS) at 404-298-1228 or 1-800-7664456. EDS will tell the provider whether or not you are eligible for the services.
If you are eligible for Medicaid but have not received your Medicaid card, call the Division of Medical Assistance to order a new one. The telephone numbers are 404-656-3200 or 1-800-282-4536 (Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). If you need to get medical services right away, you can request an emergency card at the Family and Children Services office in your county.