Florida Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Income & Asset Limits Guide

Last Updated: January 10, 2026

Florida Medicaid eligibility changed in 2026 with new income and asset limits. Single seniors needing nursing home care can now earn up to $2,982 per month.

Asset limits stayed at $2,000 for individuals.

Quick Summary:

• Income limit for nursing home Medicaid: $2,982/month (single), $5,964/month (couple)
• Regular Medicaid for aged/disabled: $1,149/month (single), $1,552/month (couple)
• Asset limit: $2,000 for singles, $3,000 for couples
• Home equity limit increased to $752,000 in 2026
• All home care waivers merged into one SMMC-LTC program
• Use Florida’s Medicaid income limits 2026 by state calculator to check if you qualify

What Changed in Florida Medicaid for 2026?

Florida made important updates to Medicaid this year. The biggest change is higher income limits for seniors.

Key 2026 Updates:

• Income limits went up by $81/month for singles
• Home equity limit rose to $752,000
• Community spouse can keep $162,660 in assets
• All old waiver programs merged into one system

These changes help more Florida families get care.

2026 Florida Medicaid Income Limits by Program

Florida has different income rules for each program. Your income decides which program you qualify for.

Nursing Home Medicaid (Institutional Care)

This program helps pay for nursing home costs.

2026 Income Limits:

• Single applicant: $2,982 per month
• Married couple (both applying): $5,964 per month

You must need Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC). A doctor decides if you qualify medically.

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)

HCBS waiver programs let you get care at home. Income limits match nursing home Medicaid.

2026 Income Limits:

• Single applicant: $2,982 per month
• Married couple: $5,964 per month

All old waivers now fall under SMMC-LTC. This includes Alzheimer’s waiver and assisted living waivers.

Regular Medicaid for Aged and Disabled (MEDS-AD)

This program has lower income limits. It’s for seniors who need help with daily tasks.

2026 Income Limits (effective 4/1/25 – 3/31/26):

• Single applicant: $1,149 per month
• Married couple: $1,552 per month

You need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). These include bathing, dressing, or eating.

Florida Medicaid Asset Limits 2026

Assets are things you own like bank accounts and property.

Basic Asset Limits:

• Single applicants: $2,000
• Married couples (both applying): $3,000

What Counts as an Asset?

Countable Assets:

• Cash and checking accounts
• Savings accounts
• Stocks and bonds
• Certificates of deposit
• Cryptocurrency
• Second homes or rental property

Exempt Assets (Don’t Count):

• Your primary home (with equity under $752,000)
• One vehicle
• Personal belongings and furniture
• Prepaid funeral plans
• IRAs in Required Minimum Distribution payout

Home Equity Rules in Florida 2026

Your home usually doesn’t count against asset limits. But Florida has equity rules.

2026 Home Equity Limit: $752,000

Your home is automatically exempt if:

• Your spouse lives there
• Your child under 21 lives there
• Your disabled child (any age) lives there

Without these family members, you must show Intent to Return home.

Important Warning: Your home stays exempt while you live. But Florida’s Estate Recovery Program can claim it after death.

Spousal Protection Rules 2026

Florida protects spouses from poverty when one needs Medicaid.

Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA)

The healthy spouse can keep up to $162,660 in assets in 2026. This money stays protected.

Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA)

The healthy spouse can keep income for living expenses.

2026 MMMNA: $2,644 per month

Maximum spousal income allowance: $4,067/month (including shelter costs).

Shelter allowance standard: $794/month for housing and utilities.

Over Income? Try Spend-Down in Florida

Florida offers a spend-down program for people over income limits.

Medically Needy Income Limits (MNIL) 2026:

• Single applicants: $180 per month
• Married couples: $241 per month

How Spend-Down Works:

You pay the difference between your income and $180. Use this money for:

• Medicare premiums
• Health insurance costs
• Medical bills and prescriptions
• Doctor visits

Florida has a 1-month spend-down period. Once you meet it, Medicaid covers the rest.

Medically Needy Asset Limits:

• Single: $5,000
• Couple: $6,000

This is higher than regular Medicaid limits.

The 60-Month Look-Back Period

Florida checks your finances for 60 months before you apply. This prevents hiding assets.

What Triggers Penalties:

• Giving away money or property
• Selling assets below fair market value
• Transferring assets to family for free

Important: The IRS allows $19,000 annual gifts in 2026. But Medicaid still counts these against you.

Regular Medicaid (MEDS-AD) has no look-back period. Only nursing home and HCBS applicants face this rule.

Qualified Income Trusts (Miller Trusts)

Over the income limit by $50 or $100? A Miller Trust can help.

A Qualified Income Trust (QIT) holds your excess income. The trustee pays for:

• Medical expenses
• Personal needs allowance
• Medicare premiums

Florida must be named as remainder beneficiary. This means leftover funds go to the state after death.

Work with a Certified Medicaid Planner to set up this trust correctly.

New SMMC-LTC Program in 2026

Florida merged all home care waivers into one program. The new name is Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC-LTC).

Old Waivers That Ended:

• Alzheimer’s Disease Waiver
• Nursing Home Diversion Waiver
• Assisted Living for the Elderly (ALE) Waiver
• Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+) Waiver

SMMC-LTC Services Include:

• Adult day health care
• Meal delivery programs
• Respite care for family caregivers
• Personal emergency response systems
• Personal care assistance

The new program offers better case management. Quality standards also improved.

How to Apply for Florida Medicaid

You can apply online or by phone.

Online Application

Visit MyACCESS at www.myflfamilies.com. Create an account and fill out the Government Assistance Application.

Phone Application

Call the DCF Customer Service Center: 1-866-762-2237

Processing Time

Florida must decide within 45 days after receiving all documents.

Two Departments Review Your Application:

• Department of Children and Families (DCF) checks income and assets
• Department of Elder Affairs determines medical eligibility

If denied, you’re automatically referred to other programs like the Medically Needy Program.

What Income Doesn’t Count?

Some income is exempt from Medicaid calculations.

Non-Countable Income:

• VA Aid & Attendance payments (beyond basic VA pension)
• Holocaust restitution payments
• SSI benefits (auto-qualifies you for Regular Medicaid)
• Certain tax refunds

Always report all income. Let Medicaid decide what counts.

Asset Protection Strategies

Have too many assets? You have options.

Asset Spend-Down

Convert countable assets into exempt items:

• Home repairs and wheelchair ramps
• Prepaid funeral and burial expenses
• Pay off debts (mortgage, credit cards)
• Buy exempt personal property

Don’t violate the 60-month look-back rule. Get professional help.

Work with a Medicaid Planner

Certified Medicaid Planners help families navigate complex rules. They find legal ways to protect assets while qualifying.

This is especially helpful for middle-income families who can’t afford care but earn too much for Medicaid.

PACE Program for Seniors

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) combines Medicare and Medicaid.

PACE Benefits:

• All medical care coordinated
• Dental and vision care included
• Adult day health centers
• Home care services
• Prescription coverage

You must be 55 or older and need nursing home level care. But you can stay at home.

What Happens After Approval?

Once approved, Florida Medicaid covers:

• Nursing home care
• Home health services
• Hospital stays
• Doctor visits
• Prescription drugs
• Medical equipment

You must renew annually. Florida returned to normal renewal rules in 2026. The pandemic protection ended.

Keep your address updated. Missing renewal notices can end your coverage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants make these errors:

Don’t:

• Give away assets without professional advice
• Assume your home is always protected
• Wait until the last minute to apply
• Forget about the 60-month look-back
• Ignore spousal protection rules

Do:

• Keep records of all financial transactions
• Report all income honestly
• Apply early (60+ days before needing care)
• Ask questions if confused
• Get help from experts

FAQs About Florida Medicaid Eligibility 2026

Resources and Next Steps

Check if you qualify using Florida’s official tools:

• SNAP income limits 2026 by state
• MyACCESS online portal
• DCF Customer Service: 1-866-762-2237

Get help from official sources:

• Florida Department of Children and Families
• Agency for Health Care Administration

Apply early. Gather bank statements, pay stubs, and property records before starting.

About the Author

My name is Akash Biswas. I like to read hard government rules and make them easy to understand. Many people find Medicaid and Medicare confusing, and that is okay. I want to help.

I made this website so families can learn in simple words. I take big, hard information and break it into small, easy steps. I want every person to feel calm and sure when they read about Medicaid or Medicare.

My goal is to help you understand who can get help, how to apply, and what to do next. I hope this website makes your life easier and helps you get the care you need.

I study Medicaid and Medicare rules every day and work hard to share clear, correct, and easy information for all families.