Medicaid is a nationwide health insurance program that provides limited health coverage to Americans who have both a low income and minimal assets. Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal and state governments, and in Florida, Medicaid is administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration, a branch of the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Seniors who are permanent residents of Florida may qualify for free Medicaid coverage if they have an income of less than $2,313 a month as a single applicant and under $4,626 when applying as a couple. Income from all sources must be counted, including pensions, investment interest, alimony and wages.
To qualify, Medicaid also requires that individual seniors have less than $2,000 in countable assets ($3,000 for a couple). Assets include all cash, bank account balances, stocks, bonds and investment real estate. Exempt assets include non-revocable burial trusts, clothing, household furnishings, one vehicle and a home used as a primary residence for the applicant and valued at $585,000 or less.
Florida seniors aged 65 and older who meet the criteria for Medicaid coverage and require the type of care normally provided in a nursing home may be eligible for additional support services through the Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care, Long-Term Care Program. This program helps prevent or delay nursing home placement among Florida seniors by providing medically necessary services in an assisted living setting.
As per federal law, eligibility for the SMMC LTC program is determined by the Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services preadmission screening program. A designated CARES assessor evaluates each applicant’s needs, and a registered nurse or physician reviews the assessment and recommends services.
If approved for the SMMC LTC program, services may include:
- Adult day health services
- Attendant and personal care
- Homemaker
- Medication administration and management
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Intermittent and skilled nursing
- Occupational, physical, speech and respiratory therapy
For more information on Florida Medicaid for seniors and the SMMC LTC program, contact the
Saint Johns County Elder Helpline at (888) 242-4464 or the
Agency for Health Care Administration at (877) 711-3662.