The process of properly completing a Medicaid application and providing all necessary information and documentation to your county Medicaid agency is extremely labor intensive. The process is deceptive, in that it often may appear to be much simpler than it actually is.
Filing the Application
Federal and New Jersey state laws regulate the Medicaid application process. The federal law on Medicaid applications is found in the Code of Federal Regulations, 42 C.F.R. §435.900. The state regulations concerning Medicaid applications are found in the New Jersey Administrative Code, Title 10, and Section 71. Internal agency memoranda, called Medicaid Communications, from the state Medicaid agency to the county boards of social services must also be consulted.
Extensive documentary evidence and information is required by the Medicaid agency to successfully file and complete an application. Because the evidence required is so extensive, Hanlon Niemann & Wright must often meet with the clients to assist with the completion of the required documentation
The application form is prescribed by the Medicaid agency. The application must be filed at the Department of Social Services of the county in which the applicant resides. The applicant’s attorney, agent or family member may file the application on the applicant’s behalf. However, the applicant (or his or her agent) should sometimes avoid filing a Medicaid application during the look-back period if gifts were made within 5 years. Gifts made within 5 years will result in a penalty, or a period of ineligibility for Medicaid.
With most Medicaid applications, the following information and documents are required, and must be provided to the agency along with the application:
- Verifications Required for Medicaid Applications
- Personal Information
- Birth Date/Citizenship Information
- Birth certificate, baptismal record, passport, voter’s registration card, naturalization papers, or alien registration card.
- Marriage Certificate/Divorce Papers/Death Record
- Copy of marriage certificate
- Copy of divorce papers, if divorced
- Copy of death record, if spouse is deceased
- Social Security Card
- Health Insurance Card
- A copy of the Medicare Card, front and back, is needed in addition to any supplemental coverage such as AARP, prescription cards, Blue Cross, major medical, etc. A copy of medical coverage premium invoice is also required.
Finances
- Bank Statements
- Submit the following for all bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs, IRAs, etc.) that were open at any time during the past 60 months (even accounts now closed) and that were in the names of either spouse or held jointly with someone else:
- Bank statements for each month for the past 60 months;
- Passbooks covering the past 60 months;
- In many counties, canceled checks for $500.00 or more for the past 60 months are requested but the precise number is dependent on the county in which the applicant filed so check with your County Board of Social Services;
- Provide an explanation for all transactions of $500.00 or more;
- Continue to provide statements received between the date you file the application and the date your case hopefully is approved by the state.
- Submit the following for all bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs, IRAs, etc.) that were open at any time during the past 60 months (even accounts now closed) and that were in the names of either spouse or held jointly with someone else:
Contact me personally today to discuss your New Jersey Medicaid application. I am easy to talk to, very approachable and can offer you practical, legal ways to handle your concerns. You can reach me toll free at (855) 376-5291 or e-mail me at fniemann@hnlawfirm.com.
By Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq., of Hanlon Niemann & Wright, a Freehold Township, Monmouth County New Jersey Medicaid Application Attorney