Who Qualifies for Assisted Living Financial Assistance in Florida?
In Florida, seniors may qualify for assisted living financial aid if they have a monthly income of $2,523 or less and assets valued at $2,000 or less. Florida covers assisted living costs through its Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC-LTC) Program. This program provides a customized plan of care and a variety of services and supports to eligible recipients.
An Overview of SMMC-LTC
SMMC-LTC provides benefits through managed care organizations in each of Florida’s 11 regions. Participants can receive services in their home, a family member’s home or an assisted living facility. The program provides funds to hire a professional caregiver, but seniors can also use the funds to pay a family member for care if they choose. Individuals may qualify to get the following services:
- Personal care
- Skilled nursing
- Behavior management
- Personal emergency response system
- Assistive technology
- Transportation
- Therapies (physical, speech, respiratory and occupational)
- Medical supplies
- Caregiver training
- Nutrition assessment
Eligibility and the Application Process
In addition to meeting financial requirements, individuals must be over 65 years of age and undergo a medical assessment to determine their suitability for SMMC-LTC. Even if an applicant meets all requirements, acceptance isn’t guaranteed. The program has a limited number of slots each year, and if slots become filled, applicants are placed on a wait-list to receive services. The application process is as follows:
- Contact a local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for a phone screening to determine eligibility. Seniors with a High Priority Rank will be placed on the wait-list. To find your ADRC, visit this website or call 1 (800) 963-5337.
- Undergo a CARES medical assessment to decide the right level of care.
- Apply for Medicaid via the Access Florida website.
- Enroll in a Long-Term Care plan. Participants can change their plan within the first 120 days or once a year during the enrollment period thereafter.