Guide

How to get Medicaid to pay for home care in Florida

Regular Medicaid does not automatically pay for a caregiver at home. You need to get into the right program. Here is how, in the order you actually do it.

Published by Aster Care LLC · Last updated November 1, 2026 · Sources listed below

An older man in glasses holding a mug of coffee at his open kitchen window

The short answer

For an adult who needs nursing home level care, call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337 and ask for a Long-Term Care screening. In 2026 the limits are $2,982 a month in income and $2,000 in assets for one person. For someone with a developmental disability, apply to APD for iBudget Florida. For a child on Medicaid, ask the doctor about home health services.

First, work out which program applies

WhoProgramFirst step
Adult 65+, or 18+ with a disability, needing nursing home level careSMMC Long-Term CareElder Helpline: 1-800-963-5337
Age 3+, with a qualifying developmental disability from before 18iBudget FloridaApplication to APD: (800) 615-8720 in our region
Child under 21 already on MedicaidMedicaid home healthThe child's doctor and Medicaid plan

The step most people miss

Many families start by applying for Medicaid and wait for care to appear. For Long-Term Care that is out of order. AHCA's process starts with a phone screening by your Aging and Disability Resource Center, which gives a priority score. People are released from the state's pre-enrollment list by priority and funding, not by how long they have waited. So call for a screening first, and call again if things get worse.

What happens after the screening

  1. Release. You hear from the ADRC when your turn comes. Keep your phone and address current, so you don't miss the letter.
  2. Medical form. A licensed provider completes Form 5000-3008.
  3. Medicaid application. DCF reviews your money and assets.
  4. CARES assessment. A state assessor visits to confirm level of care.
  5. Plan choice. You pick a plan and ask for the services you need. See plans by county.

If income is too high

Florida's limit is $2,982 a month for one person in 2026. Someone over it may still qualify by using a qualified income trust. Elder law attorneys handle this.

While you wait

Ask the Elder Helpline about Community Care for the Elderly, Home Care for the Elderly and the Alzheimer's Disease Initiative. Many families also buy a few private hours for the hardest parts of the week.

About this page. Aster Care LLC is a private home care agency, not a government agency. Eligibility decisions are made by the state offices named here. This is general information, not legal or benefits advice, and program rules change, so please confirm details with those offices.

Questions families ask

Can a home care agency sign me up for Medicaid?

No. The state decides eligibility. An agency can explain the process and provide care after you are approved. Be wary of anyone who promises approval.

Do I have to spend everything to qualify?

The asset limit for one person is $2,000, with rules about what counts. An elder law attorney can explain what is exempt. Do not give away assets without advice.