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Florida Medicaid

Enacted in 1965 through amendments to the Social Security Act, Medicaid is jointly financed by states and the federal government. Each state establishes and administers its own Medicaid program and determines the type, amount, duration, and scope of services covered within broad federal guidelines.

Florida Medicaid Information

Medicaid is a medical assistance program that helps provide access to healthcare for families and individuals with low-income. Medicaid also helps aged and disabled people with the rising cost of nursing facility care and other health care expenses. Eligibility is usually based on the family’s or individual’s income. The state and federal government share the costs of the Medicaid program.

In Florida, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is responsible for Florida Medicaid. Eligibility is determined either by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the Social Security Administration (for SSI recipients).

Department of Children & Families (DCF) Determines Eligibility

To be eligible for Florida Medicaid, you must be a resident of the state of Florida, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Florida

1) Submit an Application Form

Visit https://dcf-access.dcf.state.fl.us to confirm eligibility and submit an online application.

2) Financial Information

Remember to have your financial information ready as part of the application process.

4) Get Approved

After approval, you're able to schedule an appointment with a Community Health Centers provider.

Remember to Renew

You must renew every 12 months either online or through the mail.

The application process is open year-round and may take weeks to process from the time the application is submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Florida AHCA. They can help you get replacement cards and answer your questions about what services are covered, providers to use, and how to renew your eligibility.

You should complete your renewal application on or before the 15th day of the month in which your benefit period ends.

Yes. You are required to renew your benefits at the end of your benefit period, whether or not you have changes in your household.

The application process typically takes around 30 minutes completing the online application form. Remember, if you need any assistance during the enrollment process, we can help, along with other navigator partners like Covering Florida, are available to guide you every step of the way.

It may take up to 30 days to process your application (longer if you need a disability determination). If you sign up for email notifications in your MyACCESS Account, you will receive an email alert when we update your application status. If you are not able to go online, we will send your notices by mail.

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