Become Eligible for Medicaid
Medicaid eligibility in Florida is determined either by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the Social Security Administration (for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients). The DCF determines Medicaid eligibility for aged or disabled persons who are not getting SSI.
Florida residents who want Medicaid help for nursing facility or community-based long-term care services, must meet both medical and financial eligibility requirements.
- The DCF determines financial eligibility.
- The Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) Program at the Department of Elder Affairs determines medical eligibility.
- Step 1: Completion of Form 3008.
Upon release from the wait list, the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will contact the individual to assess interest in enrolling in Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC). If the individual is interested in SMMC LTC, the ADRC will mail the Medical Certification for Medicaid Long-term Care Services and Patient Transfer Form 5000-3008 (Form 3008). Individuals must have their medical provider (Florida licensed physician, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant) complete the form. The completed form must be returned to the ADRC, or the individual will not move forward to Step 3.
- Step 2: Apply for Medicaid.
The ADRC will check to see whether the person has Medicaid and let him or her know if it they need to apply for Medicaid. Applications for Florida Medicaid Waiver services (financial eligibility) are processed by the DCF. You may go to the DCF Public Benefits & Services website site or call DCF at 1- (866) 762-2237 for more information about Medicaid. All documents must be provided to DCF for financial eligibility determination.
- Step 3: Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) assessment.
After return of a completed Form 3008 to the ADRC, CARES staff must make an in-person visit to decide the level of care needed (medical eligibility).
- Step 4: Review the Welcome Packet.
If financial and medical eligibility is met, the individual will get a welcome packet in the mail from the Agency for Health Care Administration. The packet will contain a letter and a brochure with information about the SMMC program and how to select a plan.
Next:
Ask for a Fair Hearing
Back:
CARES Assessment of LTC Needs
Return to the LTC Home Page
