The Different Types of Medicaid Programs in Florida
Medicaid for Adults in Florida also offers two notable programs:
- Low-Income Adults can apply for Medicaid coverage if their family income does not exceed 100% of the FPL.
- Alternatively, Medically Needy Medicaid is available for those with variable incomes. It's crucial to underline that the income limit for these programs is also dependent on family size.
Children's Medicaid Programs in Florida offer three different avenues for coverage:
- The first is Medicaid for Low-Income Families with Children, which provides coverage for families with an income up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Secondly, Florida KidCare is available for families with an income up to 200% of the FPL.
- Lastly, Medically Needy Medicaid is another option, although the income limit for this program can vary.
Medicaid coverage in Florida extends to the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD), with its own specific set of criteria. For this group, the income limit is set at 88% of the FPL. Additionally, there are also asset limits to consider. One notable benefit for this group is that the program includes coverage for long-term care, a crucial aspect for many in this category.
Eligibility
Non-financial criteria: Individuals need to be residents of Florida, U.S. nationals, citizens, permanent residents, or legal aliens to be eligible for Medicaid.
The financial criteria: primarily determined based on an individual's or a household's income.
Special circ*mstances: pregnancy, disability, and age. For instance, pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, and older adults may qualify for Medicaid with higher income levels compared to other groups.
Florida's Medicaid Income Limits For Adults
The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) serves as the benchmark for various assistance programs, including Medicaid. Defined by the HHS, the FPL is a set income amount, adjusted yearly, that takes into account the number of household members and the cost of living in a particular area.
Annual Household Income Limits (Before Taxes)
| Household Family Size | Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $19,392 |
| 2 | $26,228 |
| 3 | $33,064 |
| 4 | $39,900 |
| 5 | $46,737 |
| 6 | $53,573 |
| 7 | $60,409 |
| 8 | $67,245 |
The Medicaid income limits, therefore, are calculated as a percentage of the FPL and vary depending on the specific Medicaid program. For instance, in Florida, children under the age of 18 are eligible for Medicaid if their family's income is at or below 206% of the FPL. Pregnant women can qualify if their income is at or below 196% of the FPL, while parents and caretaker relatives are eligible at or below 34% of the FPL. These percentages are all determined by the state within Federal guidelines, reflecting the targeted reach of different Medicaid programs.
