Frequently Asked Questions

About Applying for Medicaid

Each year, more than one million people in Alabama qualify for some type of Medicaid at least one month of the year.

Below are some questions people often ask about applying for Medicaid.  Click on the questions to see the answers:

Where can I find information about applying for Medicaid?

A good source of information is on this (Alabama Medicaid) website. Click on Apply for Medicaid > Qualifying for Medicaid. There you will find information about Medicaid's different programs and the requirements for each. The website also has application forms for all programs in the Forms Library under Recipients > Forms for Applicants and Recipients.

How do I apply for Medicaid?

It depends on which Medicaid program you would like to apply for. If you are applying for Medicaid for children, pregnant women or a parent/caretaker, or if you are applying for Plan First Family Planning only program, you may file a paper application or you may apply online at https://insurealabama.adph.state.al.us/. If you want to apply for help in paying your Medicare premiums, for nursing home or a program for the elderly or disabled, you will need to send an application to one of Medicaid's 11 district offices. Location and contact information are under Contacts > Medicaid Office Locations. If you want to apply for the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI) you will need to contact the Social Security Administration office in your area. A link to these is under Contacts > Contacts for Applicants.

Where can I go to put in an application?

You can apply online at https://insurealabama.adph.state.al.us/. You may, also, print out and fill out an application and mail it in. That application form is under Resources > Forms Library > Applicant/Recipient Forms > Joint Paper Application. Or, you may pick up a form from a Medicaid worker at a local health department.

Can you be on both Medicare and Medicaid?

Yes. Alabama Medicaid has several programs for people who have Medicare coverage. The main programs are Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program, and Qualifying Individual (QI-1) program. The services you get depend on how much income you have. These programs pay Medicare premiums, and in some cases, Medicare deductibles and co-insurance. There are some, called “dual eligibles,” who receive full coverage under both programs.

I was on Medicaid in another state. Can I transfer my Medicaid to Alabama?

No. Medicaid coverage does not transfer from state to state. In order to be eligible for Medicaid in Alabama you cannot be eligible in another state. Once residence is established in Alabama, Medicaid in the other state would need to be terminated so that you can apply for Alabama Medicaid. The only exception to this is the SSI program which is operated by the federal government. Individuals on SSI who move to Alabama may transfer their SSI. Each state Medicaid program decides what people and services will be covered. Although each state has similar criteria because of federal regulations, there may be some things one state requires that the other doesn’t. All Medicaid programs have income requirements. Some programs have age requirements or are limited to certain groups such as pregnant women or people who also have Medicare. It would be a good idea to review information under Apply for Medicaid > Qualifying for Medicaid. The link to apply online for Alabama Medicaid is https://insurealabama.adph.state.al.us/.

Who decides if a person qualifies for Medicaid?

Medicaid eligibility is determined by several different agencies. The federal Social Security Administration certifies aged, blind or disabled people who have very low income and qualify for cash assistance through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The Alabama Department of Human Resources certifies foster children and children who receive state or federal adoption assistance. Medicaid certifies the remaining groups.

Can I get Medicaid if I have other insurance?

Yes. Medicaid eligibility is based on income and other factors. You are required to tell us if you have other insurance. If you do, it always pays first. Medicaid pays after any other insurance has paid.

What is the status of my online application?

Once you submitted your application, you should have seen a screen that showed if your application was successfully submitted as well as the programs you may be eligible for. Whether you are approved or denied, you will get a letter at the mailing address you entered. If approved you will receive a Medicaid identification card and important program information. You may be asked to provide more information before we can approve your application. If you have been approved for Medicaid you can use the Medicaid number from your application to give to your health care providers to check on your eligibility even before you receive your Medicaid card. But, be sure to keep that number private and in a safe place. If you have any further questions please call (toll free) 1-888-373-5437.

Was I approved for Medicaid?

It may take several weeks to receive a letter telling you whether you were approved or not. However, if you applied online, you can use the number that was assigned to your application to open a My Medicaid account where you can check to see if the number has been activated. The link for My Medicaid is https://medicaidhcp.alabamaservices.org/Default.aspx?alias=medicaidhcp.alabamaservices.org/Recipient. You may also call the Recipient Call Center for help at 1-800-362-1504.

I am trying to apply online, but I keep getting an error. What do I do?

If you are applying online at the following link, https://insurealabama.adph.state.al.us/, please call the toll-free number 1-888-373-5437 for help or email allkids@adph.state.al.us.

How do you get on a waiver?

You must meet income, resources and medical requirements and a slot must be available. Information about waivers may be found under LTC/Waivers.

Can you apply for either ALL Kids or Medicaid?

ALLKids and Medicaid use the same application so the application is used for either program. Eligibility for either program is determined by household size and income. A person can’t be eligible for both programs or pick which program they want to be eligible for.

Can I authorize another person to ask about my Medicaid coverage and status?

You will need to give your permission by naming the individual(s) to whom Medicaid can release information using the form under Resources > Applicant/Recipient Forms > Third Party Benefit Coordination Forms > Authorization Form. You can return the form directly to the office/worker handling your case.

Does Medicaid cover children who are starting college?

Whether or not someone is in school does not matter as far as Medicaid coverage, which ends for most children at age 19.  Women ages 19-55 may qualify for family planning services only through Medicaid’s Plan First program at https://insurealabama.adph.state.al.us/. For some, the federal marketplace may offer some options at www.healthcare.gov.

How is family size determined?

“Family” means the natural or legal parents, and blood-related or adoptive siblings of the children. Other relatives, such as stepchildren, nieces, nephews, etc., who live in the home and are under 19 years of age, may also be included in the family. The income of all persons in the “family size” is counted to determine eligibility. More information is available under Apply for Medicaid > Qualifying for Medicaid.

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