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Who Qualifies for Assisted Living Financial Assistance in Florida?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
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.