When applying for Medicaid, you must prove that you are within the income and assets threshold to be eligible for long-care services. Prior to applying, you must fully understand what is expected of you in proving your eligibility to submit a medicaid application.

Medicaid is a state-run program, so the criteria vary based on your location. It is required to prove that you are eligible for the benefits, placing the burden of proof on you rather than the state. It is your responsibility to provide standard identification of your birth certificate and proof of citizenship. However, when you apply for benefits there is far more to consider:

• • Proof of Income
    • Copy of any pay stubs, Social Security statements, and/or pension checks. Income tax returns for the past five years. Verification of any other sources of income.
  • Bank Records
    •  Copies of bank statements for the past five years. 
  • Property
    • Copy of the deed to any property you owned in the past five years and a copy of the most recent property tax bill. 
  • Retirement Accounts
    • Statements for the past five years of your retirement savings.
  • Insurance
    • Copies of all types of insurance you have.

• Car Registration

• • • Information for any cars you own.
  • Burial Arrangements
    • Copies of pre-paid funeral contracts and/or deeds to burial plots.

• Transferred Assets

• • There are non-countable assets such as personal possessions, one vehicle, prepaid funeral plans, and principal residence. However, be prepared if the state requests information about these.

The state will verify the information. Intentionally providing falsified information is a serious legal offense. 

When you start to receive benefits, you are not done, as to maintain your Medicaid you must continue to adhere to the eligibility requirements. Verification will be needed, making the Medicaid application process long and complicated. To be as prepared as possible, you will need the help of an estate attorney.

To compile the documents required for a Medicaid application, contact the Law Office of Inna Fershteyn at (718) 333-2395.