Elder Care in Florida
State-specific Medicaid information, SHIP counseling contacts, and elder care resources for Florida residents.
📋 Medicaid in Florida
Florida Medicaid is administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). For long-term care, Florida has several significant programs. The Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) program provides home and community-based services as well as nursing facility care for eligible adults. The iBudget waiver program serves adults with developmental disabilities. Florida also has a PACE program in some areas. CARES (Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services) units perform assessments to determine appropriate level of care for Medicaid long-term care applicants. Florida's Medicaid eligibility rules include income and asset tests that vary by program. Florida is known for having a significant retired and senior population, and elder care planning is a major area of practice for Florida elder law attorneys.
🏥 Free Medicare Counseling (SHIP)
Florida's SHIP program provides free Medicare counseling through a network of trained counselors across the state. SHIP counselors can help Floridians compare Medicare plans, understand benefits, identify programs that help with costs (like Extra Help for Part D), and navigate Medicare questions. The Florida SHIP is administered through the Department of Elder Affairs.
🤝 Area Agency on Aging
Florida's Area Agencies on Aging serve all 67 counties through 11 planning and service areas. Florida's Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) oversees the aging services network. The Elder Helpline (1-800-963-5337) connects Floridians to local services. Florida's Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) program provides community-based services to frail older adults. SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is Florida's Medicare counseling program operating through the AAA network.
💡 Things Families in Florida Should Know
- 1Florida has a 60-month look-back period for long-term care Medicaid — this is an important planning consideration.
- 2Florida does not have a state income tax, but property and estate tax considerations still apply for planning purposes.
- 3Florida's homestead protection laws are strong — the primary residence has significant protections in Florida law.
- 4Florida's Medicaid program uses a managed care model for long-term services and supports (SMMC LTC) — understanding how this works is important.
- 5CARES unit assessments are required to access Florida's long-term care Medicaid — the process has wait times that families should plan for.
- 6Florida has a large elder law attorney community given its senior population — finding experienced practitioners is generally feasible.
Find an Elder Law Professional in Florida
Browse our directory of elder law attorneys, Medicaid planners, and geriatric care managers serving Florida.
This information is for general educational purposes and reflects publicly available information. Florida Medicaid and elder care programs change frequently. Always verify current program requirements with the Agency for Health Care Administration or a qualified professional.
Important: Medicaid Information Disclaimer
Medicaid rules, eligibility requirements, and programs vary significantly by state and change frequently. This information is educational only and not legal or financial advice. Do not make decisions about asset transfers, applications, or planning based solely on this content. Consult with a licensed elder law attorney or Medicaid specialist in your state.