Georgia Medicaid Nursing Home Coverage
Georgia Medicaid — SOURCE / CCSP Waiver pays for nursing home care for income-eligible Georgia seniors. This guide covers eligibility rules, income and asset limits, the application process, required documents, and important rules families need to understand before applying.
Eligibility at a Glance
Income Limit
$2,742/mo
300% of SSI · Individual
Asset Limit
$2,000
Countable assets · Individual
Look-Back Period
5 Years
Asset transfer review
Spousal Assets Protected
$154,140
Community Spouse Resource Allowance
Spousal Income Protected
$3,854/mo
Min. Monthly Maintenance Allowance
Avg. Nursing Home Cost
$8,000/mo
Medicaid rate: ~$185/day
Georgia Nursing Home Medicaid Income Limit
Georgia nursing home Medicaid income limit: $2,742/month (300% of SSI). Georgia requires a Qualified Income Trust (QIT) for applicants above this limit.
Georgia Nursing Home Medicaid Asset Limit
Georgia asset limit: $2,000 for an individual. Exempt: primary residence (if spouse/dependent or intent to return), one vehicle, burial funds, household goods. Spousal community spouse resource allowance up to $154,140.
Georgia 5-Year Look-Back Rule
Georgia Medicaid reviews all asset transfers made within 5 years (60 months) of the application date. Transfers for less than fair market value during this period may result in a penalty period during which Medicaid will not pay for nursing home care. Consult a Georgia elder law attorney before transferring any assets.
Important Georgia Nursing Home Medicaid Rules
SOURCE and CCSP Waivers
Georgia's SOURCE (Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment) and CCSP (Community Care Services Program) waivers provide home and community-based alternatives to nursing home care. Both have lengthy waitlists (2–4+ years in many counties). SOURCE focuses on higher-need medically complex individuals; CCSP serves frail elderly with personal care needs. Apply as soon as needs emerge — do not wait for a crisis.
Personal Needs Allowance
Georgia nursing home Medicaid residents keep $70/month as a Personal Needs Allowance. All other income goes to the facility. Georgia Medicaid pays the approved daily rate minus the PNA and Patient Pay Amount.
Estate Recovery
Georgia participates in Medicaid estate recovery. After a nursing home Medicaid recipient's death (age 55+), Georgia may file claims against the probate estate. Recovery is deferred while a surviving spouse is alive. Georgia elder law attorneys can advise on trust strategies.
How to Apply for Georgia Nursing Home Medicaid
Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) — Division of Medicaid
Phone: 770-570-3300 · Website: dch.georgia.gov
- 1Step 1 — Apply at your county Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Georgia Medicaid: gateway.ga.gov. For nursing home Medicaid, call Georgia DCH at 770-570-3300.
- 2Step 2 — The nursing home's social worker usually coordinates the application for admitted residents. Georgia facilities accept Medicaid-pending admissions.
- 3Step 3 — Georgia Medicaid nursing home coverage is primarily fee-for-service. Georgia's Integrated Care Initiative (ICI) manages care for some dual-eligible seniors in certain regions.
- 4Step 4 — If above income limit, establish a QIT with a Georgia elder law attorney.
- 5Step 5 — Medicaid determinations take 45–90 days. Coverage backdates to the application date.
Documents Required for Georgia Nursing Home Medicaid
Gather these documents before starting your application. Missing documents are the #1 cause of application delays.
- Proof of Georgia residency
- Birth certificate or proof of age
- Social Security card and benefit letter
- Medicare card
- All income documentation
- Bank statements for prior 60 months
- Investment statements
- Property deed (if applicable)
- Vehicle title
- Life insurance policies
- Physician's certification of nursing home level of care
* Gather 5 full years (60 months) of bank statements for ALL accounts. This is the single most common documentation gap in Medicaid nursing home applications.
Georgia Nursing Home Medicaid by the Numbers
377
Licensed Nursing Homes
39,000
Medicaid Beds
64%
Medicaid Bed %
$8,000
Avg Monthly Cost
Sources: CMS, Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) — Division of Medicaid, 2026 data.
Is There a Waitlist for Georgia Nursing Home Medicaid?
Georgia's SOURCE (Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment) and CCSP (Community Care Services Program) waivers have significant waitlists — often 2–4+ years. Nursing home Medicaid fee-for-service does NOT have a waitlist. Contact your local community service board or Georgia AAA to apply for waiver waitlists.
Find Medicaid-Accepting Nursing Homes in Georgia
Our care advisors can identify nursing homes in Georgia with open Medicaid beds and help you start the application process — no phone call required.
Georgia Nursing Home Medicaid FAQs
Does Georgia Medicaid cover nursing home care?▾
Yes — Georgia Medicaid covers skilled nursing facility care for income and asset-eligible seniors. Income limit: $2,742/month. Asset limit: $2,000. Apply at gateway.ga.gov or through your county DFCS. Most Georgia nursing homes accept Medicaid-pending admissions.
What is the average cost of nursing home care in Georgia?▾
The average cost of nursing home care in Georgia is approximately $8,000/month ($267/day) for a semi-private room in 2026. Atlanta metro: $8,500–$10,000/month. Savannah: $7,500–$9,000/month. Rural Georgia: $6,000–$7,500/month.
How long is the wait for the Georgia CCSP waiver?▾
Georgia's CCSP and SOURCE waivers typically have waitlists of 2–4 years in metro Atlanta and other high-demand areas. Apply at your local community service board as soon as care needs emerge — do not wait until placement in a nursing home is imminent. Nursing home Medicaid fee-for-service has no waitlist.
What VA senior care resources are available in Georgia?▾
Georgia has major VA facilities including the Atlanta VA Medical Center (404-321-6111), Augusta VA Medical Center, and Charlie Norwood VA. Aid & Attendance provides up to $2,795/month for eligible veterans. Georgia veterans should also check eligibility for the Georgia Veterans Service Board at 404-656-2300.
Can my parent apply for Georgia Medicaid while in a nursing home?▾
Yes — Georgia nursing homes accept Medicaid-pending admissions and assist families with the application process. The facility social worker typically coordinates with DFCS. Georgia Medicaid coverage backdates to the application date.
Does Georgia recover Medicaid costs from the estate?▾
Yes — Georgia pursues estate recovery for nursing home Medicaid costs paid after age 55. Recovery is against probate assets only. A surviving spouse's presence defers recovery. Georgia elder law attorneys can advise on trust planning to limit exposure.
Related Georgia Medicaid Guides
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