Millions of Americans who have low income and few assets and who would otherwise not be able to afford health insurance are covered under Medicaid, the nationwide health protection plan. Funded by the state and federal governments and administered by each state, Medicaid provides basic health care, emergency care and long-term services for eligible seniors.
To qualify for the Florida Medicaid program, seniors can earn no more than three times the federal poverty level, currently set at $2,313 a month ($4,626 for couples). Medicaid applicants can also own no more than $2,000 ($3,000 for couples) in countable assets, such as cash, investments and real estate, although the applicants’ home is exempt as long as it’s valued at $585,000 or less.
Note: Seniors who receive Social Security Income payments automatically qualify for Medicaid, and no further information is needed unless they wish to apply for long-term care through Medicaid.
Also note that since Florida is an income cap state, seniors cannot spend down excess income to achieve Medicaid eligibility.
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program
Seniors enrolled in Medicaid who require the level of care normally provided within a nursing home and who wish to remain in an assisted living residence may be eligible for long-term care services through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care, Long-Term Care Program.
The SMMC LTC is a Medicaid waiver program that prevents or delays nursing home placement among seniors by providing medically necessary supports delivered within an assisted living facility.
To qualify, seniors must complete screening through the Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) program, which assesses the long-term care needs of each senior. This assessment is also used to determine which services seniors enrolled in the SMMC LTC receive.
If approved for this Medicaid waiver, seniors may be provided with skilled nursing care, medication management, personal care, homemaker services and other supports. Seniors are also assigned a case manager to review their care on a regular basis.
For more information on Florida Medicaid and the SMMC LTC, contact the Nassau County Elder Helpline at (888) 242-4464.