Watching your parents age comes with difficult moments. You’re doing your best to care for the people who once cared for you, while also taking care of yourself and your own family.
Even as you try to help them secure their Medicaid coverage, stacks of paperwork and confusing requirements spit your time between being there in their bedside to rummaging through paperwork to get everything right.
Thankfully, having these six key documents in hand can help you stress less on paperwork and speed up your application process so you can spend more time with your parents during this crucial time.
Social security number
First, you will need their social security number. Even if you don’t have the identification card itself, as long as you have the number, that should be fine. Their social security number is a nine-digit number that you can find in any of their official documents which will help you unlock access to care that your parents deserve.
Proof of identification
Next, your parents would need to prove that they are who they say they are. You can use various official documents such as their driver’s license, state ID or a passport.
If any of the proof of identification above is missing or unavailable, you can always use your parents’ birth certificate paired with another ID that shows their name and their photo.
Proof of citizenship
You would also need documents that prove your parents’ American citizenship. Your parents build their lives in this country. Now, they deserve the healthcare and medical support that they have earned throughout the years.
Usually, a U.S. birth certificate or passport would do. However, if your parents are immigrants who came to the country legally, they would need to present their immigration documents. These documents would serve as affirmations of your parents’ eligibility to medical aid available for U.S. citizens.
Proof of income
Next, you would also need any proof of income that they may have. Although money conversations with your aging parents are often difficult and uncomfortable, it is something that you need to discuss during your Medicaid application.
You can check documents such as their social security statements, pension documents, any bank records or pay stubs if there are any recent ones. These documents tell the story of your parents’ financial situation and inform Maryland state about how much help they can qualify for.
Proof of residence
In order to process your Medicaid application, the state of Maryland needs proof that this is where they have truly lived. You can use your parents’ recent utility bills with both their name and address on it, lease agreements or mortgages as viable proof of their residence. These documents show that Maryland is their home state and where they should receive care.
Medical records
Lastly, you will need your parents’ complete medical records. These documents could be their doctor’s notes, hospital or laboratory records and prescriptions or medication lists. Your parents’ medical history will explain what type of care your parents need and why they need to get Medicaid coverage now.
Taking the next step
By gathering these documents, you’re giving your parents access to healthcare when they need it most. However, if the process feels overwhelming, consider reaching out to a Medicaid specialist or an elder law attorney. They can help you plan your Medicaid application ahead and meet the specific requirements your parents need. Start collecting these documents today and give your parents the healthcare that they need.
