Income Requirements For Medicaid in Florida (2024)

The applicant income limit is equivalent to 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), which increases on an annual basis in January. In 2021, an applicant, regardless of marital status, can have a monthly income up to $2,382.00. When both spouses are applicants, each spouse is considered individually, with each spouse allowed income up to $2,382 per month. When only one spouse is an applicant, the income of the non-applicant spouse is not counted towards the income eligibility of his/her spouse.

Furthermore, monthly income from the applicant spouse can be transferred to the non-applicant spouse as a spousal income allowance, also called a monthly maintenance needs allowance.

There is a minimum income allowance, set at $2,177.50 / month (effective thru June 2022), which is intended to bring a non-applicant spouse’s monthly income up to this amount. There is also a maximum income allowance, which is $3,260 / month (effective thru December 2021), and is dependent on the non-applicant spouse’s shelter and utility costs.

This monthly maintenance needs allowance is intended to ensure the non-applicant spouse does not become impoverished.

Income Requirements For Medicaid in Florida (1)

Assets

In 2021, the asset limit is $2,000 for a single applicant. For married couples, with both spouses as applicants, the asset limit is $3,000. When only one spouse is an applicant, the assets of both the applicant and non-applicant spouse are limited, though the non-applicant spouse is allocated a larger portion of the assets to prevent spousal impoverishment. (Unlike with income, Medicaid Long Term Care considers the assets of a married couple to be jointly owned). In this case, the applicant spouse can retain up to $2,000 in assets and the non-applicant spouse can keep up to $130,380. This larger allocation of assets to the non-applicant spouse is called a community spouse resource allowance.

Some assets are not counted towards Medicaid Long Term Care’s asset limit. These generally include an applicant’s primary home, household furnishings and appliances, personal effects, and a vehicle.

Assets should not be given away or sold under fair market value within 60-months of long-term care Medicaid application. This is because Medicaid has a look back rule and violating it results in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility.

Home Ownership

The home is often the highest valued asset a Florida Medicaid Long Term Care applicant owns, and many people worry that Medicaid Long Term Care will take their home in order to qualify. Fortunately, for eligibility purposes, Medicaid Long Term Care considers the home exempt (non-countable) in the following circ*mstances.

– The applicant lives in the home or has “intent” to return to the home and his / her home equity interest is no greater than $603,000 in 2021. Home equity interest is the current value of the home minus any outstanding mortgage.

– A non-applicant spouse lives in the home.

– The applicant has a dependent relative living in the home.

Applying for Medicaid in Florida

Medicaid planning should be a big component of any long-term elder care strategy, especially given that a person has to meet strict income and asset requirements to be eligible.

Individuals are eligible to apply for Medicaid Long Term Care in Florida easily who are already at or below the income and asset levels. If you don’t meet the requirements for income and assets, an experienced attorney can help advise on ways to fit the requirements.

The Finity Law Firm may be able to help protect assets and apply for Medicaid Long Term Care regardless of where you are in the State of Florida.

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Income Requirements For Medicaid in Florida (2024)

FAQs

What is the income limit to qualify for Medicaid in Florida? ›

Household Family Size
Household Family SizeGross Income Limit
1$19,392
2$26,228
3$33,064
4$39,900
4 more rows
Jan 1, 2024

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid? ›

Eligibility levels for parents are presented as a percentage of the 2023 FPL for a family of three, which is $24,860. Eligibility limits for single adults without dependent children are presented as a percentage of the 2023 FPL for an individual, which is $14,580.

Who is not eligible for Medicaid in Florida? ›

Adults under 65 who aren't disabled or caring for minor children are not eligible for Medicaid regardless of how low their income is, because Florida hasn't expanded Medicaid under the ACA.

What is the 5 year rule for Medicaid in Florida? ›

It also establishes ways of recovering funds that may have been improperly paid out to recipients who actually could afford long-term care. Simply put, if you live in Florida, Medicaid will “look back” at all asset transfers made for the 5 years preceding your application.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid in Florida 2024? ›

Limits on Medicaid Applicant's Gross Monthly Income

Effective Jan 1, 2024, the applicant's gross monthly income may not exceed $2,829 (was $2,742). The applicant may retain $160 per month for personal expenses.

Can you own a house and get Medicaid in Florida? ›

The short answer is: You don't have to sell your home to qualify for Medicaid in Florida, as it's generally exempt so long as you meet specific criteria. However, there are a number of caveats that affect this exemption, which Florida Medicaid applicants should be aware of.

Can I get Medi-Cal if I own a house? ›

First, if you own a home, you can still qualify for Medi-Cal. California has one of the best health services in this regard because California does not ask that you sell your home and pay for your medical needs, but rather it will front all the medical bills for you while you are alive.

Which state has the highest income limit for Medicaid? ›

The state with the highest income limits for both a family of three and individuals is Washington, D.C. If you live in this area, a family of three can qualify for Medicaid if their income is at 221% of the FPL. For other adults, the limit is set at 251% of the FPL.

Is projected annual income before or after taxes? ›

If it's not on your pay stub, use gross income before taxes. Then subtract any money the employer takes out for health coverage, child care, or retirement savings. Multiply federal taxable wages by the number of paychecks you expect in the tax year to estimate your income.

Why was i denied Medicaid in Florida? ›

Excessive Income and Assets: Long-term care applicants might exceed Medicaid's financial thresholds, leading to denials. Careful asset management is key. Incomplete Disclosure of Assets: All assets, including those easily overlooked, must be fully disclosed. Incomplete disclosure can trigger a denial.

Who gets approved for Medicaid in Florida? ›

Low-income individuals and families, the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities may be eligible for Medicaid in Florida. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) determines the financial eligibility for Medicaid.

Does Social Security count as income for Medicaid in Florida? ›

Automatic Entitlement to Medicaid Coverage

An individual receiving cash benefits from the Social Security Administration's (SSA), SSI Program is automatically eligible for Medicaid.

Is Florida cutting back on Medicaid? ›

Now, beginning on April 1, 2023, Florida's Department of Children and Families (DCF) will start disenrolling Medicaid recipients who are no longer eligible for their health insurance plans due to income changes that happened between 2020 and 2023.

Does Florida Medicaid have to be paid back? ›

According to federal and state law, the money that the Florida Medicaid program pays on behalf of a Medicaid recipient is a debt owed back to the state. Upon the death of the Medicaid recipient, the Medicaid program files a claim against the decedent's estate in order to seek reimbursem*nt for the amount owed.

How do I avoid Medicaid 5 year lookback in Florida? ›

How to Legally Protect Your Assets Before the “Look Back” Period
  1. Ensure your estate plan is in order. ...
  2. Create an irrevocable trust for Medicaid purposes which if done properly allows you to protect both principal and income while allowing the applicant to still qualify for Medicaid long-term care.

What is the income limit for food stamps in Florida 2024? ›

Table 1: SNAP Income Eligibility Limits - Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024
Household SizeGross monthly income (130 percent of poverty)Net monthly income (100 percent of poverty)
6$4,364$3,357
7$4,921$3,785
8$5,478$4,214
Each additional member+$557+$429
5 more rows

What is considered low income in Florida for a single person? ›

2024 Chart: Household size and percent of poverty level
Household size100% of poverty level150% of poverty level
1 person household$15,060$22,590
2 person household$20,440$30,660
3 person household$25,820$38,730
4 person household$31,200$46,800
4 more rows
Mar 18, 2024

Are there different types of Medicaid in Florida? ›

Display of data:
Health Plan TypePlan NameNumber of Counties/ Service Area
Medicaid Health Plan*Children's Medical ServicesAll Counties
Medicaid Health Plan*Clear Health AllianceAll Counties
Medicaid Health PlanCommunity Care Plan1
Medicaid Health PlanFlorida Community CareAll Counties
10 more rows

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