Memory Care in Florida

Rising costs due to inflation continue to impact the cost of memory care across the country. Memory care costs in Florida rose from $4,380 in 2022 to $4,642 in 2023, a 6% increase. This rate of increase is lower than the national increase of 10% but on par with nearby states. Nearby states, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina saw similar increases of 8%, 7% and 6% respectively. Georgia has seen one of the lowest increases in the country, as memory care costs rose just 4%, increasing from $4,016 in 2022 to $4,196 in 2023.

Florida’s Medicaid program places income limits on applicants to ensure the most needy benefit from its services. Income is calculated per household. Therefore, if the applicant lives alone, it’s only their income that counts, but if they live with others, their income too factors in the decision. Countable assets are also considered, which may or may not include the applicant’s home (depending on individual circumstances). Florida also applies a 60-month look-back period for assets to check the applicant hasn’t sold or gifted items in anticipation of a Medicaid petition.

Floridian seniors who require Medicaid services, and whose income is over the Medicaid limit, can apply for Florida’s Share of Cost program. This spend-down program allows seniors with high ongoing medical costs to apply most of their income towards their medical bills each month. Once the predetermined spend-down limit is reached, Medicaid benefits cover all eligible expenses for the remainder of the month. 

2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Florida

In Florida, seniors who need assistance applying for Medicaid can contact the ACCESS Customer Call Center. Application assistance is also available through local senior service agencies, which can be located by calling Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs Elder Helpline. Some senior centers may offer free Medicaid counseling and workshops for seniors who need help completing their Medicaid application.

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Florida. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Florida.

There are many resources in Florida that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Cash assistance programs in Florida provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Florida seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Florida seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Florida have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Florida seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Senior centers in Florida bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.

Senior engagement resources and programs in Florida help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.

Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Florida resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.

Social Security offices in Florida help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Florida resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Florida retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Florida retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

In Florida, memory care communities are regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration. Memory care falls under the same regulatory category as assisted living in Florida. Assisted living communities can offer more specific or advanced services, such as memory care, with Specialty Licenses to provide extended care.