What are the Qualifications for Applying for Medicaid in Florida?

Florida has different Medicaid programs available based on the individual's personal situation. Florida Medicaid is available for low-income families with children, pregnant women, children, or for the elderly and disabled.

Low-Income Families with Children

• Medicaid for low-income families with children governance is in Section 1931 of the Social Security Act. Qualifications for Florida Medicaid include regulations such as the family member applying for Medicaid must be a Florida resident, the family must have a least one dependent child under age 18 living at home, the family member applying must have a Social Security number and be a United States citizen or qualified non-citizen, and must have applied for any other benefits the family may be entitled to.

Pregnant Women

• Pregnant women have simplified eligibility under Florida Medicaid rules. No asset limits apply; and the only requirements are that the pregnant woman's income is under 185 percent of the federal poverty level, that she has proof of pregnancy and is a United States citizen or qualified non-citizen. Once approved, Medicaid coverage continues for two months after the pregnancy ends. If a pregnant woman is seeking other benefits such as temporary cash assistance or food stamps, the simplified eligibility application does not apply, and she must apply through the standard application process.

Children

• Florida Medicaid program Kidcare has multiple parts. The guardian or caretaker can apply for standard Medicaid, or for assistance with medical coverage or special medical needs. As with the other Medicaid programs, the child must be a Florida resident, have a Social Security number, and be a United States citizen or qualified non-citizen. Assets do not count for children's Medicaid, and they must be living with an adult caretaker.

Elderly and Disabled

• Florida Medicaid for the elderly and disabled is Social Security Supplemental Income Medicaid. Florida residents receiving SSI have automatic eligibility for Medicaid, but a separate application has to occur if the Medicaid is for nursing home care.

Income Limits and Application

• Under most Medicaid programs, the individual can have no more than $2,000 in assets and income levels for qualification stem from federal poverty levels. The Florida income and asset limit for Medicaid changes based on household size and the type of Medicaid program. The table containing income limits and the online application to apply for Florida Medicaid is on Florida's Medicaid website.