Florida Medicaid - A Guide to Medicaid in Florida

Medicaid is a partnership between the state and federal government to provide health and long term care coverage for specific categories of low income people. Its purpose is to improve the health care for people who might have to go without it due to low income. In Florida, the Medicaid program was implemented in 1970 to provide medical services to indigent people. It has since been expanded to cover children, the disabled, and people over 65. The Agency for Health Care Administration is responsible for developing and carrying out Medicaid related policies.

Medicaid in Florida covers a wide variety of health services. These include inpatient and outpatient hospital expenses, physician visits, transplants, lab and X-ray services, mental care, home health care, nursing facility care, and many other medical options. To find out the full list, you should contact your local Medicaid office. This office can also tell you which doctors and facilities in your area are covered by Medicaid.

To be eligible for Medicaid in Florida, an individual must be over 65, blind, or disabled, and a US citizen. There are also related programs to cover the uninsured children of low income families. For an individual to receive Medicaid, countable resources must total no more than $2000. Individuals in a community living arrangement, such as an assisted living facility must generally earn less than $623 per month. This amount is the same as the maximum payment that can be received from Medicaid per month, per person. An individual not living in this kind of situation is permitted to make $749 per month, or $1004 per couple. The asset limit is $5000 for an individual in this case, and $6000 for eligible couples.

People receiving Medicaid coverage in Florida must see a certified Medicaid provider for the service to be paid for. The provider then bills Medicaid directly and Medicaid pays the provider. The provider must accept payment in full, except for previously identified patient responsibility and deductibles. It is important to find out in advance if the provider accepts Medicaid coverage. Medicaid generally is not able to reimburse you for any expenses you incur at a non-Medicaid provider.

Older people who also receive Medicare benefits can also get Medicaid coverage. However, Medicaid pays only after benefits from Medicare have been received. Medicaid in Florida does not generally cover prescription drugs for people who have Medicare Part A or Part B. These people should enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to receive their coverage. Many people are eligible for Medicaid, but are unaware of this. If you suspect that you might be able to participate in this program, contact your local Medicaid office soon. You could begin receiving benefits and have a much easier time getting medical assistance. Medicaid is a great help to millions of people throughout America. You could receive assistance from this program as well.