There may come a point, perhaps when you are creating an estate plan, when you begin to wonder about the Medicaid system and how it works. For example, you may be interested in learning more about eligibility requirements. Regardless of your situation, if you need to learn more about Medicaid you should take the time to collect the necessary information. With this in hand, you will better understand what to do in the future to ensure that you get the benefits you deserve.
Before we go any further, it is time to take a look at the basics of Medicaid. Here is the basic definition as defined by The Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare:
“Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid also offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, like nursing home care and personal care services.”
With that in mind, there are sure to be a few questions to address:
- What are the eligibility requirements in your state, such as if you are one of our Florida readers?
- What does it mean to have “limited income and sources?”
- What types of benefits does the program offer those who qualify?
- What is the process of applying for Medicaid benefits?
- Is there anything you can do today to improve your chance of approval in the future?
With all these questions staring you in the face, it is time to take action. Below, we are going to share a variety of information on Medicaid, including details to help you answer these questions among many others.
How to Apply for Medicaid
If you are interested in applying for Medicaid, you need to contact your state’s Medicaid program to learn more about doing so. Remember, each state has different rules and requirements. For this reason, you need to know what is expected of you based on where you live.
You can learn more about the Florida Medicaid system, including eligibility requirements, by visiting the Florida Department of Children & Families website. If you do not find what you are seeking here, do not hesitate to visit the Agency for Health Care Administration website. When you combine these two resources, you will not have any trouble learning more about the program, including how the application process works.
In Florida, eligibility is determined by either the Social Security Administration or the Department of Children and Families. The latter is responsible for eligibility for:
- Disabled or aged individuals who are not receiving Supplemental Security Income (also known as SSI).
- Children
- Parents
- Former foster care individuals
- Pregnant women
Those who are ready to apply for Medicaid can do so easily enough by visiting http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/. As long as you follow the directions, you will soon understand what is expected of you and how long it will take to receive a final determination.
What is Medicaid Spend Down?
If you want to qualify for Medicaid in the future, if you are on the fence in regards to your eligibility, it is essential that you consider implementing a Medicaid spend down strategy. This is something that you may want to discuss with an estate planning attorney, as you do not want to do anything that will jeopardize your ability to receive benefits.
As the name suggests, Medicaid spend down rules are in place to help people qualify who have an income that exceeds the income levels set by the state. Even if you have too much income to qualify, you may be able to spend down to receive benefits if you are deemed “medically needy.”
Note: if you want to learn more about this, contact the Florida Medicaid program. They can tell you if this is possible and how to go about getting started.
Top Medicaid Resources for Florida Residents
In addition to the resources detailed above, there are others to consider if you are interested in applying for and receiving Medicaid benefits. Here are several places to turn for high quality information, advice, and guidance:
- Benefits.gov – a list of general program requirements, as well as an income chart for determining eligibility.
- Medicaid.gov – a variety of general information on the program, including how and where to apply, eligibility requirements, prescription drugs, and much more.
- Healthcare.gov – if you want to learn more about Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), this is the best place to start. Not only is the information accurate, but there are many links to other websites that may be able to help.
- CMS.gov – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website is a wealth of information, providing guidance regarding a variety of the most important details.
If you begin your search for information on these websites, you will be confident in your ability to learn more and make key decisions for you and/or a family member.
Get Help Today; The Edwards Law Firm Can Help
As you learn more about the Florida Medicaid system, there is a good chance you will have a variety of questions. You may even have some concerns, such as those based around your eligibility. Since the state’s Medicaid system is so complex, since laws are always changing, you need to think long and hard about tackling this important task on your own. At our law firm, we are here to show you the way. We know the ins and outs of the Medicaid system, and are more than willing to give you the help you require. We can be reached online or via phone by calling (904) 215-3550. Either way, we want you to know that help is right around the corner.
You should never believe that the Florida Medicaid system is too difficult to navigate. It may confuse you, but we know exactly what you should and should not be doing. Let us be your guide during this crucial time of your life!
