Your State-by-State Medicaid Resource Directory

Introduction

Navigating Medicaid can feel like trying to solve a puzzle where the pieces keep changing shape. This directory aims to simplify your journey by providing reliable resources organized in the order you'll need them—from initial research to application submission and beyond.

I've compiled trusted resources at both the federal and state levels, so you'll have guidance every step of the way. Remember that Medicaid rules vary significantly from state to state, so always prioritize your state-specific resources when making decisions about your loved one's care.

Step 1: Understanding Medicaid Basics

Before diving into state-specific details, familiarize yourself with how Medicaid works on a fundamental level.

Federal Resources

• Medicaid.gov Official Website https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/index.html The official federal resource for understanding Medicaid programs, eligibility, and benefits.

• Medicare.gov's Medicaid Section https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/medicaid Explains how Medicaid works with Medicare for those eligible for both programs.

• Benefits.gov - Medicaid Benefits https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/606 Provides a general overview of Medicaid benefits and eligibility requirements.

• Healthcare.gov - Medicaid & CHIP Coverage https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/ Offers information about Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Educational Resources

• Kaiser Family Foundation - Medicaid https://www.kff.org/medicaid/ Offers research, fact sheets, and state data on Medicaid programs.

• National Council on Aging - Medicaid & Medicare https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/medicare-medicaid Provides clear explanations of benefits and eligibility for older adults.

• AARP - Understanding Medicaid https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2020/medicaid-eligibility.html Offers straightforward explanations of how Medicaid works for seniors.

Step 2: Researching Your State's Specific Medicaid Programs

Each state administers Medicaid differently, with varying programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes.

State Medicaid Agency Websites

• Alabama - Alabama Medicaid Agency https://medicaid.alabama.gov/

• Alaska - Alaska Department of Health and Social Services http://dhss.alaska.gov/dpa/Pages/medicaid/default.aspx

• Arizona - Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System https://www.azahcccs.gov/

• Arkansas - Arkansas Department of Human Services https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/medical-services/

• California - Medi-Cal https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/default.aspx

• Colorado - Health First Colorado https://www.healthfirstcolorado.com/

• Connecticut - Connecticut Department of Social Services https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Services/Health-and-Home-Care

• Delaware - Delaware Health and Social Services https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma/

• Florida - Florida Agency for Health Care Administration https://ahca.myflorida.com/Medicaid/

• Georgia - Georgia Department of Community Health https://medicaid.georgia.gov/

• Hawaii - Hawaii Department of Human Services https://medquest.hawaii.gov/

• Idaho - Idaho Department of Health and Welfare https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Medical/Medicaid/tabid/123/Default.aspx

• Illinois - Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalPrograms/AllKids/Pages/medical.aspx

• Indiana - Indiana Family and Social Services Administration https://www.in.gov/medicaid/

• Iowa - Iowa Department of Human Services https://dhs.iowa.gov/ime/members

• Kansas - KanCare https://www.kancare.ks.gov/

• Kentucky - Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/Pages/default.aspx

• Louisiana - Louisiana Department of Health https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/subhome/1

• Maine - Maine Department of Health and Human Services https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/health-care-assistance

• Maryland - Maryland Department of Health https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/Pages/home.aspx

• Massachusetts - MassHealth https://www.mass.gov/topics/masshealth

• Michigan - Michigan Department of Health and Human Services https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_4860---,00.html

• Minnesota - Minnesota Department of Human Services https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/health-care/health-care-programs/programs-and-services/medical-assistance.jsp

• Mississippi - Mississippi Division of Medicaid https://medicaid.ms.gov/

• Missouri - Missouri Department of Social Services https://mydss.mo.gov/healthcare

• Montana - Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services https://dphhs.mt.gov/MontanaHealthcarePrograms/MemberServices

• Nebraska - Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid-Eligibility.aspx

• Nevada - Nevada Department of Health and Human Services https://dwss.nv.gov/Medical/MEDICAID/

• New Hampshire - New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/ombp/medicaid/

• New Jersey - NJ FamilyCare http://www.njfamilycare.org/

• New Mexico - New Mexico Human Services Department https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/lookingforassistance/medical_assistance_division/

• New York - New York State Department of Health https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/

• North Carolina - North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/

• North Dakota - North Dakota Department of Human Services https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/

• Ohio - Ohio Department of Medicaid https://medicaid.ohio.gov/

• Oklahoma - SoonerCare https://oklahoma.gov/ohca/individuals.html

• Oregon - Oregon Health Plan https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Pages/index.aspx

• Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Medical-Assistance.aspx

• Rhode Island - Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services http://www.eohhs.ri.gov/Consumer/FamilieswithChildren/HealthCare.aspx

• South Carolina - South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid https://www.scdhhs.gov/

• South Dakota - South Dakota Department of Social Services https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/

• Tennessee - TennCare https://www.tn.gov/tenncare.html

• Texas - Texas Health and Human Services https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip

• Utah - Utah Medicaid https://medicaid.utah.gov/

• Vermont - Green Mountain Care https://www.greenmountaincare.org/

• Virginia - Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/

• Washington - Washington Apple Health https://www.hca.wa.gov/health-care-services-supports/apple-health-medicaid-coverage

• West Virginia - West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Pages/default.aspx

• Wisconsin - Wisconsin Department of Health Services https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid/index.htm

• Wyoming - Wyoming Department of Health https://health.wyo.gov/healthcarefin/medicaid/

State-by-State Comparison Tools

• Kaiser Family Foundation - State Health Facts https://www.kff.org/statedata/ Compare Medicaid programs, eligibility, and benefits across states.

• Medicaid.gov - State Overviews https://www.medicaid.gov/state-overviews/index.html Official state-by-state information on Medicaid programs.

• AARP - State Resource Centers https://www.aarp.org/states/ Provides state-specific resources and guides for various programs including Medicaid.

• MACPAC - State Medicaid Fact Sheets https://www.macpac.gov/reference-materials/state-medicaid-fact-sheets/ The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission provides detailed fact sheets for each state.

Step 3: Finding Local Application Assistance

Getting help with the application process can make a tremendous difference in navigating complex Medicaid systems.

National Resources with Local Connections

• Eldercare Locator https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx 1-800-677-1116 A nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with local support resources, including Medicaid application assistance.

• Benefits.gov - Benefits Finder https://www.benefits.gov/benefit-finder Tool to help identify benefits you or your loved one may qualify for, including Medicaid.

• SHIP - State Health Insurance Assistance Programs https://www.shiphelp.org/ Provides free, in-depth, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers.

• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging https://www.n4a.org/ Connect with your local Area Agency on Aging for personalized assistance with applications.

Legal Assistance Resources

• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys https://www.naela.org/findlawyer Directory to find attorneys who specialize in elder law and Medicaid planning.

• LegalAid.org https://www.legalaid.org/ Find free legal help for low-income individuals, including Medicaid application assistance.

• American Bar Association - Legal Services for the Elderly https://www.americanbar.org/groups/law_aging/resources/legal_services_elder/ Resources for finding legal assistance specially trained in elder law issues.

Step 4: Understanding Long-Term Care Medicaid Waivers

Medicaid waiver programs can provide alternatives to nursing home care, allowing many seniors to receive care at home or in community settings.

Federal Resources on Waivers

• Medicaid.gov - Home & Community Based Services https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/home-community-based-services/index.html Comprehensive information about HCBS waiver programs.

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) - HCBS Waiver Programs https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/American-Indian-Alaska-Native/AIAN/LTSS-TA-Center/info/hcbs Technical information about home and community-based services waivers.

Non-Profit Resources on Waivers

• National Council on Aging - Waiver Programs https://www.ncoa.org/article/medicaid-waivers-for-long-term-care Explains how waiver programs work and how to apply.

• Family Caregiver Alliance - State-by-State Resources https://www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/services-by-state/ Information on state-specific programs, including Medicaid waivers.

• American Council on Aging - Medicaid Planning Assistance https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-waivers/ Detailed explanations of waiver programs by state.

Step 5: Applying for Medicaid

When you're ready to apply, these resources will help you with the application process itself.

Application Resources

• Healthcare.gov - Apply for Medicaid https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/how-to-apply/ Guidance on application methods in each state.

• Benefits.gov - Medicaid Application https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/606 Information about how to apply for Medicaid in your state.

• Medicaid.gov - Apply for Coverage https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/index.html Official information about eligibility and application processes.

Resources for Complex Situations

• Justice in Aging https://justiceinaging.org/our-work/healthcare/dual-eligibles-california-and-federal/ Resources for seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

• Special Needs Alliance https://www.specialneedsalliance.org/find-an-attorney/ Find attorneys who specialize in planning for individuals with disabilities or complex care needs.

Step 6: After Approval - Managing Care and Benefits

Once approved for Medicaid, these resources help navigate the care system and maintain eligibility.

Care Management Resources

• National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems https://ncapps.acl.gov/ Resources for person-centered planning in Medicaid services.

• The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care https://theconsumervoice.org/ Advocacy and information for those receiving long-term care services.

• Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) https://www.npaonline.org/pace-you Information about comprehensive care programs that may be available through Medicaid.

Maintaining Eligibility Resources

• Social Security Administration - SSDI and SSI Programs https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ Information about disability and supplemental income programs that often connect with Medicaid.

• BenefitsCheckUp https://www.benefitscheckup.org/ Tool to find benefit programs that can work alongside Medicaid.

Step 7: Advocacy and Additional Support

These resources provide ongoing support, education, and advocacy for Medicaid recipients and their caregivers.

Caregiver Support Resources

• Caregiver Action Network https://www.caregiveraction.org/ Education and support for family caregivers.

• National Alliance for Caregiving https://www.caregiving.org/resources/ Research and advocacy for caregivers, including those navigating Medicaid.

• ARCH National Respite Network https://archrespite.org/respitelocator Find respite care services in your area, some of which may be covered by Medicaid waivers.

Advocacy Organizations

• National Council on Independent Living https://ncil.org/ Advocates for the rights of people with disabilities to live independently, often through Medicaid home and community-based services.

• Justice in Aging https://justiceinaging.org/ Legal advocacy organization focused on fighting senior poverty and ensuring access to benefits.

• The Arc https://thearc.org/ Advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Medicaid services.

State-by-State Medicaid Resource Centers

Each state's Medicaid program has dedicated resource centers to help with specific questions and concerns.

Northeast Region

• Connecticut - CT Home Care Program for Elders https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/Health-And-Home-Care/Connecticut-Home-Care-Program-for-Elders/Connecticut-Home-Care-Program-for-Elders

• Maine - Office of Aging and Disability Services https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/

• Massachusetts - MassHealth Senior Care Options https://www.mass.gov/senior-care-options-sco

• New Hampshire - ServiceLink Aging and Disability Resource Center https://www.servicelink.nh.gov/

• New Jersey - Division of Aging Services https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/home/

• New York - NY Medicaid Choice https://www.nymedicaidchoice.com/

• Pennsylvania - Office of Long-Term Living https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/Long-Term-Care-Services.aspx

• Rhode Island - Office of Healthy Aging https://oha.ri.gov/

• Vermont - Choices for Care https://asd.vermont.gov/services/choices-for-care-program

Southeast Region

• Alabama - Alabama Cares https://alabamaageline.gov/alabama-cares/

• Florida - Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program https://ahca.myflorida.com/Medicaid/statewide_mc/index.shtml

• Georgia - Division of Aging Services https://aging.georgia.gov/

• Kentucky - Department for Aging and Independent Living https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/default.aspx

• Mississippi - Division of Medicaid - Elderly & Disabled Waiver https://medicaid.ms.gov/programs/elderly-disabled-waiver/

• North Carolina - Division of Aging and Adult Services https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/daas

• South Carolina - Community Long Term Care https://www.scdhhs.gov/service/community-long-term-care

• Tennessee - TennCare CHOICES https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/long-term-services-supports/choices.html

• Virginia - Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services https://www.vadars.org/

• West Virginia - Bureau of Senior Services http://www.wvseniorservices.gov/

Midwest Region

• Illinois - Department on Aging https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/Pages/default.aspx

• Indiana - Division of Aging https://www.in.gov/fssa/da/

• Iowa - Department on Aging https://www.iowaaging.gov/

• Kansas - Department for Aging and Disability Services https://www.kdads.ks.gov/

• Michigan - Aging & Adult Services Agency https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73971_7122---,00.html

• Minnesota - Minnesota Board on Aging https://mn.gov/board-on-aging/

• Missouri - Division of Senior and Disability Services https://health.mo.gov/seniors/

• Nebraska - Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid-and-Long-Term-Care.aspx

• North Dakota - Aging Services Division https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/adultsaging/

• Ohio - Department of Aging https://aging.ohio.gov/

• South Dakota - Long Term Services and Supports https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/

• Wisconsin - Department of Health Services - Aging and Disability Resource Centers https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm

Southwest Region

• Arizona - Division of Aging and Adult Services https://des.az.gov/services/aging-and-adult

• Arkansas - Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/aging-adult-behavioral-health-services/

• Louisiana - Office of Aging and Adult Services https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/subhome/12

• New Mexico - Aging and Long-Term Services Department https://www.nmaging.state.nm.us/

• Oklahoma - Aging Services Division https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/aging.html

• Texas - Department of Aging and Disability Services https://hhs.texas.gov/services/aging

West Region

• Alaska - Senior and Disabilities Services http://dhss.alaska.gov/dsds/Pages/default.aspx

• California - Department of Aging https://aging.ca.gov/

• Colorado - Aging and Adult Services https://cdhs.colorado.gov/our-services/older-adult-services

• Hawaii - Executive Office on Aging https://health.hawaii.gov/eoa/

• Idaho - Commission on Aging https://aging.idaho.gov/

• Montana - Senior and Long Term Care Division https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/

• Nevada - Aging and Disability Services Division https://adsd.nv.gov/

• Oregon - Aging and People with Disabilities https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/Pages/index.aspx

• Utah - Division of Aging and Adult Services https://daas.utah.gov/

• Washington - Aging and Long-Term Support Administration https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa

• Wyoming - Aging Division https://health.wyo.gov/aging/

Final Note

Navigating Medicaid is a marathon, not a sprint. These resources are designed to support you through each step of the process, but remember that regulations and programs change frequently. Always verify information with your state's Medicaid office before making important decisions.

If you find yourself overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out for professional guidance from an elder law attorney or your local Area Agency on Aging. Sometimes, having an experienced advocate by your side makes all the difference in securing the care your loved one needs.