Medicaid Application Instructions


In order to receive benefits under Medicaid, you will have to apply for the program. Those receiving benefits under SSI and TCA will be enrolled for Medicaid automatically.

If you don't receive benefits under TCA or SSI, you will have to file an application to know whether you qualify or not. Here is how you can apply for Medicaid.

Apply Online

Click here to begin an Online Medicaid Application through SAIL.

Apply in Person

In order to apply in person, you will be required to file an application with your Local Department of Social Services. You can find a list of departments in different counties by clicking here. Once you have the application, you will be required to return it in person or by mail after you complete it in all respects. You can download application by clicking HERE.

Apply by Mail

You can dial 1-800-456-8900 and ask for application to be sent through mail. You can send it back once it is completed.


Eligibility Requirements

In order to apply for Medicaid, individuals will have to meet certain eligibility criteria. Only then they will be able to receive medical cover under this program.

Eligibility for Medicaid will be re-determined after 12 months. However, it can be re-determined after six months in case of 'spenddown'. Those receiving Medicaid because of being medically needy will usually have an eligibility review within six months.

General Eligibility

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien
  • Must be a resident of Maryland
  • Aged, disabled, blind or pregnant
  • Must have income at or below Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) level
  • Must have resources/assets below $2,000 for a household with one member

Families and Children

Families and children that meet all the requirements for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) will be able to receive benefits through Medicaid.

In order to meet TCA qualifications, earned income should be below TCA benefit level. The TCA income level varies with the number of people in household.

Similarly, individuals and households will have to meet criteria for assets to receive benefits under TCA and Medicaid. For a household of one person, the assets should not increase $2,000.

Families and children not applying for TCA but meeting all the requirements will be able to receive benefits under Medicaid when they apply. Similarly, those who have lost their TCA eligibility due to one of the following will also be able to receive benefits under Medicaid.

  • Change in earning or hours of employment
  • Increase in collections through child support
  • Lost TCA benefits because beneficiary quit a job without any good reason
  • Failure to stay compliant with TCA work guideline
  • Receiving aid through Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program
  • Those receiving assistance through RCA losing their eligibility due to earnings or work hours
  • Refugees with income below 200% of federal poverty level but not qualifying for RCA

Aliens

Medicaid is available for qualifying aliens. Qualified aliens other than refugees and asylees entering the U.S before August 22, 1996 will be able to qualify for Medicaid. However, qualified aliens entering after this date will have to reside in the U.S for five years before they start receiving benefits under Medicaid program.

A qualified alien is a person who is either:

  • A refugee
  • Permanent U.S resident
  • Certain deported aliens
  • Aliens on parole by INS
  • Aliens granted entry before 1980 under immigration laws; or
  • An alien serving U.S Armed Forces

Aged, blind and disabled

Individuals receiving SSI benefits due to old age, blindness, or disability will be able to receive benefits under Medicaid as well. Similarly, those individuals who have lost their SSI eligibility due to increase in their cost of living will be able to qualify for Medicaid.

Aged, blind, and disabled individuals, who have qualified for ABD Medically Needy or ABD Spenddown, will be able to receive benefits under Medicaid. However, such individuals will have to meet income and asset standards for medically needy.

Those receiving benefits under Public Assistance to Adults (PAA) will automatically be enrolled for Medicaid.

Individuals and families with private insurance

Even if you have private insurance, you can qualify for Medicaid. If you meet all the requirements for Medicaid program, you will receive cover for any areas left uncovered by your private insurance. Even the areas partially covered will be completely covered under Medicaid.