Understanding Medicaid for Long-Term Care in Florida: What Families Need to Know

Taking care of an aging parent or grandparent can be expensive, especially if they need nursing home care or in-home services. In Florida, Medicaid helps low-income seniors cover these costs—but the rules can feel confusing. Here’s what you should know in simple terms:

1. What Is Medicaid Long-Term Care?

   
   

   Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that pays for medical costs for people with limited income and assets. In Florida, there’s a special Medicaid program (often called “Long-Term Care Medicaid”) that helps pay for nursing homes, assisted-living facilities (through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care plan), and even certain in-home care services if your loved one meets the requirements.

   
   

2. Income and Asset Limits

   
   

   To qualify, your family member’s income generally must be below a certain amount (around $2,841 per month in 2025), and their “countable assets” usually need to be $2,000 or less. Things like their house (if someone lives there), one car, personal belongings, and a small funeral account are typically excluded. But bank accounts, investments, and extra property count toward the limit. If they have too much, there are legal ways (like a properly drafted trust) to “spend down” or protect assets—just be careful about the Medicaid “look-back” period (five years in Florida, meaning transfers made less than five years before application can result in penalties).

   
   

3. Applying for Medicaid in Florida

   
   

   You apply through your local Department of Children and Families (DCF) office or online at myflfamilies.com. You’ll need to gather proof of identity, income statements, bank records, and information about any property. If your loved one is already in a nursing home, it’s best to start the application right away because processing can take several weeks. While you wait, the nursing home might allow “pre-admission” if you can show you’ve applied for Medicaid.

   
   

4. Protecting Assets Before It’s Too Late

   
   

   If you think your loved one might need nursing-home care down the road, start planning early. Gift-giving or transfers within five years of applying can lead to a period where Medicaid won’t pay (called a “penalty period”). Working with an elder-law attorney can help you set up a Medicaid-qualified annuity or an irrevocable trust to protect some assets without losing eligibility.

   
   

5. Getting Help in Florida

   
   

   Navigating Medicaid rules is tricky, but Florida has resources:

   • Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) can explain benefits and connect you with counselors.

   • Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs website has clear guides and application checklists.

   • An elder-law attorney can review your specific situation, make sure all paperwork is complete, and help you avoid common mistakes.

   
   

Bottom Line: Medicaid can cover a big chunk of long-term care costs in Florida—but only if your family member meets income and asset limits and follows the state’s rules. Start early, gather records, and get legal advice if you’re unsure. That way, you’ll help your loved one get the care they need without losing their life’s savings

.