FLORIDA MEDICAID
Background:
Florida Medicaid services are administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration. The Department of Children and Families or the Social Security Administration (for individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) determines the eligibility for Medicaid in the state of Florida.
Medicaid for Aged or Disabled:
Medicaid eligibility for individuals who are low income, are of age 65 or older, or disabled is known as SSI related Medicaid.
The state of Florida is known as a 1634 state. A 1634 state is where Supplemental Security Income (SSI) criteria is used to determine Medicaid eligibility. In other words, individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in those states receive Medicaid automatically without filing for the benefit separately.
For the state of Florida, Florida residents who receive or are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for Medicaid coverage from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Since Medicaid would be automatic, Florida residents who are aged or disabled do not need to complete an ACCESS Florida Application unless nursing home services are needed.
Medicaid Eligibility:
To qualify for Medicaid benefits, an individual must be a resident of the state of Florida, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, and whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income.
The asset limit for eligibility for Medicaid in the state of Florida follows the guidelines of the Social Security Administration (SSA). The asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Keep in mind asset/resource limitations as well as income exclusions Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) regulations apply.
Medicaid Contact Information:
For further information on Florida Medicaid eligibility and specific questions you may have we suggest Florida Residents to contact Florida Department of Children and Families at 1-866-762-2237 or visit their website http://www.myflfamilies.com/.
In addition, we recommend speaking with an attorney that specializes in Estate Planning and a Special Needs Planning Attorney in Florida for specific questions and the best action plan for obtaining benefits.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided by CPT is for informational purposes only and is intended to be used as a non-legal guide prior to consultation with an attorney familiar with your specific legal situation. CPT is not engaged in the practice of law or in rendering legal advice or counsel. No such legal advice or counseling is either expressly or impliedly intended. This form is not a substitute for the advice or counsel of an attorney. If you require legal advice, you should seek the services of an attorney. © 2017 CPT All rights reserved.
Further Reading/Sources:
https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0501715010
http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/access-florida-food-medical-assistance-cash/medicaid
http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/docs/ssifactsheet.pdf
http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/docs/esspolicymanual/a_09.pdf
https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0501730060