Sixteen percent of Florida’s population is covered under Medicaid, the nationwide program designed to provide basic health care for low-income Americans. Medicaid is jointly funded by federal and state governments, and in Florida, coverage is administered through the Agency for Health Care Administration.
Seniors who are 65 and older may qualify for Medicaid coverage if they earn no more than $2,313 per month as an individual or $4,626 as a couple. Medicaid counts income from all sources including wages, pensions and alimony.
Medicaid applicants must also meet strict asset limits of $2,000 per individual and $3,000 per couple. Countable assets include cash and bank account balances, investments and real estate with the exception of the applicant’s principal residence valued up to $585,000.
Personal belongings such as clothing, jewelry, household furnishings and a non-revocable burial trust are also exempt.
Florida seniors who qualify for Medicaid coverage and need the care services normally provided in a nursing home may qualify for the Florida Statewide Managed Care, Long-Term Care Program.
The SMMC LTC reduces nursing home placement among low-income Florida seniors by supplementing existing independent living services with medically necessary care on a contracted basis. Under federal law, seniors seeking these Medicaid-funded services must be screened by Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services to determine eligibility.
If approved for SMMC LTC, seniors who reside in an assisted living setting may receive the following additional supports as recommended by CARES personnel:
- Adult companion
- Personal and attendant care
- Homemaker
- Medication administration and management
- Intermittent and skilled nursing
- Speech, occupational, or physical therapy
- Transportation to and from local medical appointments
To learn more about Florida Medicaid coverage for seniors and the SMMC LTC program, contact the
Florida Elder Helpline at (954) 745-9779 or the Florida Department of Children and Families at (866) 762-2237.
Qualified Income Trust Seniors whose income exceeds current limits may be able to use a
Qualified Income Trust to become Medicaid eligible.
Also known as a Miller Trust, a QIT is a non-revocable legal agreement between the applicant and the State of Florida. The senior must set up a QIT account and direct any excess income, less a $130 monthly personal needs allowance, into the QIT. Contributed funds can only be used for specific medical expenses related to the senior’s care.
To learn more about utilizing a QIT, contact the
Florida Department of Children and Families at (866) 762-2237.