Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

Obtain Important Discharge Documents

How to Obtain Important Discharge Documents

The following documents are important to keep safe because they help establish your identity and make it easier to locate healthcare and insurance information. They are useful when moving to a new location, going to medical appointments, or accessing emergency care.

You can also download a PDF copy of the Important Discharge Documents Checklist (PDF) .

  • Social security card or social security number
  • Birth certificate or passport
  • Driver’s license or state-issued photo ID
  • Medicare or Medicaid card
  • Health insurance card or other proof of insurance
  • Power of attorney documents
  • Proof of income
  • Healthcare proxy documents
  • Certificate of citizenship or permanent resident card (“green card”)
  • Contact information for family or friends, including phone numbers

Additional Considerations for Residents*

  • Newly long-term disabled individuals or individuals over age 62 may wish to consider applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security retirement (SSA) benefits if they will not be able to return to gainful employment post-discharge or feel that it is the right time for them.

    To learn more or to apply, visit the Social Security Administration: Apply for Benefits .

    To learn more about preparing for disability benefits, visit the Social Security Administration page on preparing for disability benefits .

    If you are here to learn how to help others apply for Social Security Disability, you can watch this four-part video series that walks through the forms and steps needed to file a complete third‑party disability application.

  • If the reason for institutionalization may be related to cognitive impairment or brain injury, you may wish to discuss having a neurocognitive evaluation with your clinical team in order to identify the most appropriate community supports and services.

  • If you qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to receive long-term services and supports under one of the following programs: Connecticut Medicaid Waiver Programs (PDF) , Money Follows the Person (PDF) , or Community First Choice (PDF) .

Explore the following quick links for information on how to obtain various essential documents.

Social Security Card
Birth Certificate
Driver’s License or State‑Issued Photo ID
Medicare Card
  • You can print an official copy or order a replacement card through your online Medicare account, or by calling 1‑800‑MEDICARE (1‑800‑633‑4227; TTY 1‑877‑486‑2048): Medicare card replacement .
HUSKY Member ID Card and Gray EBT ConneCT Card
Proof of Income (Example: Annual Benefit Letter)
  • You can request an annual benefit verification letter online using your personal my Social Security account , which allows you to immediately view, print, and save a copy of the letter. You can also request one by phone at 1‑800‑772‑1213 (TTY 1‑800‑325‑0778) Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time: Social Security benefit verification FAQ .
Certificate of Citizenship or Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”)