Florida Medicaid Programs
Medicaid Waiver
The Medicaid Waiver, also known as the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) program in Florida, is a vital resource for seniors and individuals with disabilities who need long-term care but want to remain in their homes or assisted living communities rather than move into a nursing home. This program offers a flexible range of services that help recipients maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.
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The Medicaid Waiver program is designed to provide home and community-based services (HCBS). Through this waiver, individuals can access a broad array of care services—ranging from personal care and medical assistance to meal delivery and adult day care—without needing to enter an institutional care setting. This program is especially important in providing affordable care options for those who require assistance with daily activities but prefer to stay in their own homes or in an assisted living community.​
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Eligibility for the program is based on both functional and financial criteria. Applicants must be: 65 years or older, or aged 18-64 and disabled, and require a nursing home level of care. Financial eligibility follows Florida Medicaid standards, meaning that applicants must meet income and asset limits.
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To apply for the Medicaid Waiver program, individuals start by contacting their local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for a preliminary screening. Those who meet initial criteria are placed on a waiting list, as program spots are limited and prioritized by need. Because the Medicaid Waiver program often has a long waiting list, it’s important to apply early. The waitlist is managed based on priority levels, meaning those with the greatest need will move up faster.
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The Medicaid Waiver program is a lifeline for many Florida seniors and individuals with disabilities. The program promotes independence and enhances quality of life.
ICP Medicaid
The Institutional Care Program (ICP Medicaid) is a vital component of Florida’s Medicaid system, designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who require long-term care, which can easily exceed $10,000 a month in a nursing home. The program covers the cost of care for eligible individuals who meet strict medical and financial criteria.
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To qualify for ICP Medicaid, applicants must fulfill both medical and financial requirements. Applicants must demonstrate the need for a nursing home level of care, which is determined by the state's Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) team. This assessment reviews the individual's physical and cognitive abilities to ensure they require institutional care.​
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In 2025, the ICP Medicaid income limit for an individual is $2,901 per month. Additionally, applicants must meet the asset limit, typically no more than $2,000 in countable assets for an individual. Certain assets, such as a primary residence (up to a certain value) and one vehicle are exempt from this calculation.​
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Applying for ICP Medicaid can be complex, and it often involves gathering extensive documentation to prove both medical necessity and financial eligibility. Once approved, Medicaid covers the costs of nursing home care, though applicants may be required to contribute a portion of their income toward their care.​
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If an applicant is married, Florida’s Medicaid program includes spousal impoverishment protections to ensure that the "community spouse" (the spouse not applying for Medicaid) is not left financially destitute. This may include allowing the community spouse to keep a portion of the couple's combined assets and income, up to certain limits.