Medicaid Simplified

Medicaid programs are available to people with limited incomes and assets who need nursing home care, long-term care services, and home health care services. Some states also have programs for individual adults who don’t fit any of these categories. There are several different Medicaid long-term care programs for which Florida seniors may be eligible. These programs have slightly different eligibility requirements and benefits:

1. Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid – is an entitlement, which means that anyone who is eligible will receive assistance. Benefits are provided only in nursing homes
2. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) – long-term care services are provided at home, adult daycare, adult foster care homes, and in assisted living residences via a managed care system, which allows program participants to receive all Medicaid benefits via one administering agency.
3. Regular Medicaid for Aged and Disabled (MEDS-AD) – is an entitlement, meaning all persons who are eligible will receive services. Benefits are provided at home or adult daycare

Each state uses financial eligibility guidelines to determine whether you are eligible for Medicaid coverage. Generally, your income and assets must be below a certain amount to qualify, but this amount varies from state to state and from program to program. You are eligible for Medicaid if you fall into an eligible group and meet that group’s financial eligibility requirements.