Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that pays for long-term care services, including nursing home care, for eligible Florida residents. Understanding Florida's Medicaid eligibility requirements is crucial for seniors and their families who are planning for the possibility of needing long-term care.

Who Qualifies for Florida Medicaid Long-Term Care?

To qualify for Florida Medicaid long-term care benefits (specifically, the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care program), an applicant must meet several criteria: they must be 65 or older, or disabled; they must be a Florida resident; they must need a nursing facility level of care (as determined by an assessment); and they must meet both financial eligibility requirements—income limits and asset limits.

Florida Medicaid Income Limits

Florida Medicaid uses an income cap system. Applicants whose monthly income exceeds the current limit (which is updated periodically) must use a special tool called a Qualified Income Trust (also called a Miller Trust) to qualify. The excess income is deposited into the Miller Trust each month and used toward the cost of care, with Medicaid paying the remainder.

Florida Medicaid Asset Limits

For Medicaid eligibility purposes, assets are divided into countable and exempt categories. An individual applicant is generally limited to $2,000 in countable assets. Exempt assets typically include the primary residence (up to certain value limits), one vehicle, personal property and household goods, life insurance with limited cash value, and prepaid funeral arrangements. All other assets are generally countable and must be spent down before Medicaid will pay for care.

The Medicaid Application Process

Applying for Florida Medicaid long-term care benefits requires gathering extensive documentation of financial accounts, income sources, and asset history going back five years. The application process can be complex, and mistakes can cause delays or denials. Working with an experienced Florida elder law attorney significantly improves the chances of a successful application.

Take a look at the resources on our Medicaid Page for more information and current limits.

At HKH Elder Law, we assist St. Petersburg families with Medicaid eligibility analysis and applications. Call 727-343-8959 to schedule a consultation.