Medicare Blog

what are the qualifications for both midicaid and medicare in florida

by Maiya Ebert Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

The following people may qualify for Florida Medicaid if they meet certain financial requirements:

  • Low-income families with children
  • Pregnant women
  • Infants and children under the age of 21
  • People who are aged 65 or older
  • People who are blind or expected to be disabled for at least a year
  • Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • People who need nursing home care or home and community-based care
  • People who are on Medicare

More items...

Full Answer

What are the criteria for Medicaid in Florida?

To be eligible for Medicaid in FL, the essential requirements all Medicaid applicants must meet include: Applicants must be United States citizens. Applicants must be residents of Florida. Applicants must meet the annual salary limits.

What are the rules for Medicaid in Florida?

Florida Medicaid Eligibility Requirements

  • Medicaid Basics. Medicaid is a federal and state program designed to supplement the income of persons who need medical and/or nursing home treatment.
  • Basic Medicaid Eligibility. ...
  • Income Requirements for Florida Residents. ...
  • Florida Codes and Legal Research Options
  • Talk to an Experienced Attorney About Medicaid Eligibility. ...

How do you check for Florida Medicaid eligibility?

You must also be one of the following:

  • Pregnant, or
  • Be responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, or
  • Blind, or
  • Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or
  • Be 65 years of age or older.

What is the income limit for Medicaid in Florida?

Single: no income limit; Married, both applying: no income limit; Married, single spouse: no income limit; Long Term Home Care. Single: seniors – $1073 per month, other – $2382 per month; Married, both applying: seniors – $1073 per month, other – $2382 per month; Married, single spouse: seniors – $1073 per month, other – $2382 per month; Vermont

Who qualifies for Medicare and Medicaid in Florida?

Be legal Florida residents, Be a minimum of 65 years of age OR between 18 and 64 years old and designated as disabled by the Social Security Administration, Need “nursing facility level of care”, and. Meet the financial requirements for Florida Medicaid.

How do I qualify for dual Medicare and Medicaid?

Persons who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles”, or sometimes, Medicare-Medicaid enrollees. To be considered dually eligible, persons must be enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), and / or Medicare Part B (medical insurance).

Can you have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time in Florida?

A: In many cases, yes. Some Americans qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, and when this happens, it usually means they don't have any out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

What is the income level to qualify for Medicaid in Florida?

Effective Jan 1, 2022, the applicant's gross monthly income may not exceed $2,523.00 (up from $2,382.00). The applicant may retain $130 per month for personal expenses. However, even having excess income is not necessarily a deal-breaker in terms of Medicaid eligibility.

Can you have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?

Yes. A person can be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and receive benefits from both programs at the same time.

What is the lowest income to qualify for Medicaid?

Federal Poverty Level thresholds to qualify for Medicaid The Federal Poverty Level is determined by the size of a family for the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia. For example, in 2022 it is $13,590 for a single adult person, $27,750 for a family of four and $46,630 for a family of eight.

How do you qualify for Medicare in Florida?

Who Qualifies for Medicare in Florida?You are 65 or older.You're under 65, disabled, and receive disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.You have end-stage renal disease (ERSD).You have ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

When the patient is covered by both Medicare and Medicaid what would be the order of reimbursement?

gov . Medicare pays first, and Medicaid pays second . If the employer has 20 or more employees, then the group health plan pays first, and Medicare pays second .

Which is a combination Medicare and Medicaid option that combines medical?

What are dual health plans? Dual health plans are designed just for people who have both Medicaid and Medicare. They're a special type of Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan. Dual health plans combine hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage.

Is Florida Medicaid based on household income?

In Florida, if the household income of a person eligible for Medicaid is less than a certain percent of the Federal Poverty Level, that person meets the income requirements. These percentages change based on family size and eligibility group (e.g. pregnancy, age, or disability).

Does Florida have free health insurance?

Florida Health Insurance Overview You can also get low-cost or free Florida health insurance through public programs like Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

What assets are exempt from Medicaid in Florida?

Exempt AssetsHomestead: ... Certain Retirement Accounts.Trade or Business Property.Irrevocable burial contracts.$2,500 designated for burial expenses.Irrevocable burial contracts, bank accounts designated for burial by notation in the title, or life insurance policies.One burial plot per family member.More items...

How much is the spousal allowance for Medicaid in 2021?

That said, this spousal allowance may be as high as $3,260.00 / month (effective January 2021 through December 2021) and is based on one’s shelter and utility costs. This rule allows the Medicaid applicant to transfer income to the non-applicant spouse to ensure he or she has sufficient funds with which to live.

How much can a spouse retain in 2021?

For married couples, in 2021, the community spouse (the non-applicant spouse of a nursing home Medicaid applicant or home and community based services applicant) can retain up to a maximum of $130,380 of the couple’s joint assets, as the chart indicates above.

What is Medicaid in Florida?

Medicaid in Florida is sometimes referred to as the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. The Medicaid managed care program for long-term care services for the elderly and disabled is called the Long-term Care (LTC) program. All other health care services outside of long-term care are provided via the Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) ...

What income is counted for Medicaid?

Examples include employment wages, alimony payments, pension payments, Social Security Disability Income, Social Security Income, IRA withdrawals, and stock dividends.

What are countable assets?

Countable assets include cash, stocks, bonds, investments, credit union, savings, and checking accounts, and real estate in which one does not reside. However, for Medicaid eligibility, there are many assets that are considered exempt (non-countable).

What is long term care?

Instead, long-term care services are provided at home, adult day care, adult foster care homes, and assisted living residences via a managed care system, which allows program participants to receive all Medicaid benefits via one administering agency.

How long does it take for Medicaid to check in Florida?

One should be aware that Florida has a Medicaid Look-Back Period, which is a period of 60 months that immediately precedes one’s Medicaid application date. During this time frame, Medicaid checks to ensure no assets were sold or given away under fair market value.

Who are the dual-eligible recipients?

People who are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid are referred to as dual-eligible beneficiaries. Moreover, each state determines Medicaid coverage, and as a result, Medicaid benefits may differ.

Medicare Ineligibility

The Medicare eligibility requirement is that you must be 65 years old or older. If you or your spouse are 65 years old or older and have paid enough Medicare taxes through previous employment, you or your spouse may be eligible for premium-free Part A of the Medicare program (hospital coverage).

Medicaid Ineligibility

Medicaid eligibility varies depending on where a person resides, as various states have different qualifications.

Dual eligibility

A person must qualify for either partial-dual or full-dual coverage to be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Variations in geography

Medicaid benefits and coverage vary from one state to the next, and there are differences between them. Depending on the state, Medicaid coverage may be available to those who earn more than the standard income limits.

Medicare Part D Extra Assistance Program

Aside from Medicaid, many other programs assist with medical expenses, and government sponsors them. Extra Help, a program that assists Medicare Part D enrollees with their prescription drug costs, can be applied for by a qualified individual.

Summary

A person’s health and income level may qualify them for both Medicare and Medicaid.

What is the proof of eligibility for medicaid in Florida?

Proof of Medicaid eligibility typically consists of supplemental documentation that verifies an applicant’s identity, citizenship status and gross household income.

What are the requirements to get medicaid in Florida?

To be eligible for Medicaid in FL, the essential requirements all Medicaid applicants must meet include: Applicants must be United States citizens. Applicants must be residents of Florida. Applicants must meet the annual salary limits. Medicaid benefits eligibility in Florida makes an exception for non-citizens who have experienced ...

How old do you have to be to get Medicaid in Florida?

Although adults between the ages of 19 and 65 who do not suffer from a disability or are not pregnant do not qualify for FL Medicaid benefits, parents and caretakers of children who are younger than 21 years of age can qualify for coverage if the child meet the income limits.

Why is Medicaid required in Florida?

This eligibility requirement for Medicaid is because the program is designed to provide low-income families and individuals in need of health care services with affordable coverage.

Does Florida have medicaid for pregnant women?

Florida Medicaid eligibility requirements also cover pregnant women who are classified as low-income by the federal government. However, if an expectant mother is overqualified for Medicaid, she may be qualified for the Medically Needy Program, which would not require a separate application. Finally, elderly and disabled individuals who meet ...

Does Florida have Medicaid?

First and foremost, when addressing who is eligible for Medicaid in Florida, it is important Florida Medicaid applicants understand that Florida opted not to expand their Medicaid program when the Affordable Care Act passed. Because the state did not accept the ACA Medicaid expansion, Medicaid eligibility guidelines do not extend ...

What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Medigap, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance, is private health insurance that is designed to supplement original Medicare benefits. It differs from Medicare Advantage Plans in that it is not a way to get Medicare benefits, but to fill in the gaps in your Medicare coverage.

How old do you have to be to get Medicare?

Most people age 65 or older are eligible for free Medicare Part A for hospitalization and emergencies, provided they or their spouse have paid FICA taxes for at least 40 calendar quarters. Those who don't qualify for no-cost Part A hospital insurance may be able to get it by paying a small monthly premium. Part A insurance covers many hospitalization costs, some stays in skilled nursing facilities following a hospital stay, and many home health care and hospice care expenses. (Hospice care provides a more comfort-based approach, preferring support, therapy and pain-killing drugs to surgery, hospitalization and traditional medicine.)

What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B - Doctor, Outpatient and Clinical Services. Medicare Part B provides covers medically-necessary services - any services or supplies you need to diagnose or treat a medical condition; and preventative services, including procedures to prevent illness or detect it at an early stage.

What is part A insurance?

Part A insurance covers many hospitalization costs, some stays in skilled nursing facilities following a hospital stay, and many home health care and hospice care expenses. (Hospice care provides a more comfort-based approach, preferring support, therapy and pain-killing drugs to surgery, hospitalization and traditional medicine.)

What is a Part C?

Part C may also include vision, hearing, dental and other services. Plan C monthly premiums may be higher than for normal Part B coverage, but they usually have lower out-of-pocket costs (such as lower deductibles and copayments).

When do you enroll in Medicare?

For most people, the initial enrollment period is the seven-month period that begins three months before the month in which they turn 65. If you miss that window, you may enroll between January 1 and March 31 each year, although your coverage won't begin until July 1. There are four types of Medicare coverage available.

Does Medigap pay for Medicare?

Note that Medigap policies do not pay for Medica re Advantage plan deductibles and copayments, so if you want to join an Advantage plan, you may want to cancel your Medigap coverage.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare?

You are age 65 or older and a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. resident who has lived in the U.S. continuously for five years prior to applying.

When Can You Enroll in Medicare?

There are multiple opportunities to enroll in Medicare. There are certain rules around applying, when your coverage will begin and what types of Medicare plans you can sign up for, so make sure you understand your options.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your first opportunity to sign up for Medicare is called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Your IEP starts the three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65 and lasts for the three months after you turn 65.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Every year, from October 15 through December 7, you can switch, drop or join the Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan of your choosing. This period is referred to as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). During AEP, you can also enroll in Original Medicare.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you are allowed to make a one-time change to another MA plan or to Original Medicare during the Open Enrollment Period. The OEP runs from January 1 through March 31. If you enroll in Original Medicare, you may also purchase a Medicare Supplement and/or a Prescription Drug Plan.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance health plans that provide all Part A and Part B services. Many also offer prescription drug coverage and other supplemental benefits. Similar to how Medicaid works with Original Medicare, Medicaid wraps around the services provided by the Medicare Advantage plan andserves as a payer of last resort.

What is dual eligible?

The term “full dual eligible” refers to individuals who are enrolled in Medicare and receive full Medicaid benefits. Individuals who receive assistance from Medicaid to pay for Medicare premiums or cost sharing* are known as “partial dual eligible.”.

What is dual eligible for medicaid?

Qualifications for Medicaid vary by state, but, generally, people who qualify for full dual eligible coverage are recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSI program provides cash assistance to people who are aged, blind, or disabled to help them meet basic food and housing needs.

What is Medicaid managed care?

Medicaid managed care is similar to Medicare Advantage, in that states contract with private insurance health plans to manage and deliver the care. In some states, the Medicaid managed care plan is responsible for coordinating the Medicare and Medicaid services and payments.

When will Medicare become the main health insurance?

July 08, 2020. Most Americans understand that when they turn 65, Medicare will become their main health insurance plan. However, many Americans are less familiar with another health care program, Medicaid, and what it means if they are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. If you are dual eligible, Medicaid may pay for your Medicare ...

What is a PACE plan?

Similar to D-SNPs, PACE plans provide medical and social services to frail and elderly individuals (most of whom are dual eligible). PACE operates through a “health home”-type model, where an interdisciplinary team of health care physicians and other providers work together to provide coordinated care to the patient. PACE plans also focus on helping enrollees receive care in their homes or in the community, with the goal of avoiding placement in nursing homes or other long-term care institutions.

Does Medicaid wrap around Medicare?

In this case, Medicaid would “wrap around” Medicare coverage by paying for services not covered by Medicare or by covering premium and cost-sharing payments, depending on whether the beneficiary is a full or partial dual eligible.

What is the Medicaid agency in Florida?

The agency responsible for Medicaid in Florida is the Agency for Health Care Administration , also known as simply the Agency. The Agency has successfully completed implementing the SMMC ( Statewide Medicaid Managed Care) program. Under this program, most of the recipients of Medicaid are enrolled into one of a variety of health plans.

What is Florida Medicaid?

Medicaid is a program for medical assistance that gives low-income individuals and families access to health care that they wouldn’t otherwise have. Medicaid also assists people with disabilities and the elderly with the costs of expenses like care in nursing facilities and other long-term medical bills.

Does Florida Medicaid cover prescriptions?

Most of the time, prescriptions will have no cost for children as long as they are covered. Many of the adult prescriptions will also be free or have a low copay.

Who receives Supplemental Security Income in Florida?

Florida residents who receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) through the Social Security Administration. People in nursing homes or those who receive community or home-based care. You also have to be a Florida resident who has a valid social security number and a citizen of the U.S.

Do you have to be a resident of Florida to live in a nursing home?

People in nursing homes or those who receive community or home-based care. You also have to be a Florida resident who has a valid social security number and a citizen of the U.S.

Summary

  • Medicaid is a wide-ranging, federal, health care program for low-income individuals of any age. However, this page is specifically focused on Medicaid eligibility for Florida residents who are 65 years of age and older. The focus will also be on long term care, whether that be at home, in a nursing home, adult foster care, or in assisted living. Ma...
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Healthcare

  • 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. Further complicating eligibility are the facts that the criteria vary with marital status and that Florida offers multiple pathways towards eligibility.
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Services

  • 2) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) In the past, Florida has offered HCBS Medicaid waivers for the aged, but no longer does. Instead, long-term care services are provided at home, adult day care, 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 administerin…
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Benefits

  • 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 day care.
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Programs

  • Eligibility for these programs is complicated by the facts that the criteria vary with marital status and that Florida offers multiple pathways towards eligibility. The table below provides a quick reference to allow seniors to determine if they might be immediately eligible for long term care from a Florida Medicaid program. Alternatively, one may opt to take the Medicaid Eligibility Test…
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Funding

  • For Medicaid eligibility purposes, any income that a Medicaid applicant receives is counted. To clarify, this income can come from any source. Examples include employment wages, alimony payments, pension payments, Social Security Disability Income, Social Security Income, IRA withdrawals, and stock dividends. However, when only one spouse of a married couple is applyi…
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Components

  • Countable assets include cash, stocks, bonds, investments, credit union, savings, and checking accounts, and real estate in which one does not reside. However, for Medicaid eligibility, there are many assets that are considered exempt (non-countable). Exemptions include personal belongings, household furnishings, an automobile, irrevocable burial trusts, and ones primary ho…
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Qualification

  • For Florida residents, 65 and over who do not meet the eligibility requirements in the table above, there are other ways to qualify for Medicaid. 2) Qualified Income Trusts (QITs) Persons seeking long-term care in a nursing home facility or require services in a home and community based setting have the option of putting excess income into a QIT. With this type of trust, a sufficient a…
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Example

  • Make note, the Medically Needy Pathway does not assist one in spending down extra assets for Medicaid qualification. Said another way, if one meets the income requirements for Medicaid eligibility, but not the asset requirement, the above program cannot assist one in spending down extra assets. However, one can spend down assets by spending excess assets on non-countabl…
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Criticism

  • As with the medically needy pathway, this option does not assist one in spending down excess assets in order to meet the Medicaid asset limit.
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Cost

  • 3) Medicaid Planning the majority of persons considering Medicaid are over-income or over-asset or both, but they still cannot afford their cost of care. For persons in this situation, Medicaid planning exists. By working with a Medicaid planning professional, families can employ a variety of strategies to help them become Medicaid eligible. Read more or connect with a Medicaid pla…
See more on medicaidplanningassistance.org

Who Are The Dual-Eligible Recipients?

Medicare Ineligibility

  • The Medicare eligibility requirement is that you must be 65 years old or older. If you or your spouse are 65 years old or older and have paid enough Medicare taxes through previous employment, you or your spouse may be eligible for premium-free Part A of the Medicare program (hospital coverage). They may also be eligible for Medicare Part B, covering doctor visits and var…
See more on newmedicare.com

Medicaid Ineligibility

  • Medicaid eligibility varies depending on where a person resides, as various states have different qualifications. Every year, Medicaid rules may change. The Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determines every year, is used to determine a person’s eligibility for a variety of government benefits. In addition to the 48 contiguous states a…
See more on newmedicare.com

Dual Eligibility

  • A person must qualify for either partial-dual or full-dual coverage to be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. The amount of Medicaid assistance a person receives determines their eligibility for partial-dual coverage. The following are some examples of various coverage: 1. The premium for Part A (if applicable) 2. The premium for Part B 3. Coi...
See more on newmedicare.com

Variations in Geography

  • Medicaid benefits and coverage vary from one state to the next, and there are differences between them. Depending on the state, Medicaid coverage may be available to those who earn more than the standard income limits. The Medicaid website can assist a person in determining which services are available to them in their area based on their geographic location.
See more on newmedicare.com

Medicare Part D Extra Assistance Program

  • Aside from Medicaid, many other programs assist with medical expenses, and government sponsors them. Extra Help, a program that assists Medicare Part D enrollees with their prescription drug costs, can be applied for by a qualified individual. To be eligible for Extra Help, a person’s combined investments, real estate property, and savings must total no more than $29,1…
See more on newmedicare.com

Summary

  • A person’s health and income level may qualify them for both Medicare and Medicaid. Meanwhile, Medicare will generally cover healthcare costs initially, and Medicaid assists with out-of-pocket and non-covered expenses. Medicaid eligibility varies by state, as well as the income level restrictions.
See more on newmedicare.com

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