Florida residents may enroll in Medicaid if their monthly income is within the mandatory limits.
Low-income families in Florida may be eligible to enroll in Medicaid, a state government program that subsidizes health-care costs for those in need. Income represents one of the key criteria that determines Medicaid eligibility. The Florida Department of Children & Families determines eligibility for Medicaid and must approve or deny applications within 45 days of receiving them.
Primary Guidelines
The monthly income limits for determining family Medicaid eligibility in Florida depend on household size. In December 2010, the monthly limits were $180 for a family of one, $241 for a family of two and $303 for a family of three, and rose by $61 or $62 per additional member. These limits are the same as those that determine eligibility for Temporary Cash Assistance, the Florida welfare program.
Children-Only Guidelines
Florida Medicaid programs for children or pregnant women have less restrictive income guidelines than those for families. Children between the ages of 6 and 18 are eligible if their household's gross income is no more than 100 percent of the federal poverty level based on household size. Children ages 1 through 5 are eligible if their household's gross income is no more than 133 percent of the federal poverty level, while children under age 1 can live in a household with income of 200 percent of the federal poverty level and be eligible. The state exempts a step-parent's income from consideration, and counts only the child's income, if any, if the child lives with a caretaker who is not his parent.
Pregnant Women Guidelines
Pregnant women in Florida may apply for Medicaid coverage in advance of giving birth. The combined income of the mother, other kids who live in the home and the baby's father, if he lives in the residence, must not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty level based on household size. In 2010, these limits were $1,670 for a family of one and $2,247 for a family of two, and rose by $576 or $577 for each additional member.
"Medically Needy" Guidelines
Families and pregnant women who do not meet income eligibility standards for Medicaid enrollment but meet the other requirements, such as residency and citizenship, may qualify for the "Medically Needy" Medicaid program. This program requires participants to share a portion of their health-care costs, similar to a deductible with a private insurance company. Although no monthly income limit exists, a household's income determines its payment for health-care services.
SSI-Related Guidelines
Low-income individuals who are 65 and older or have a disability may qualify for full Medicaid coverage on their own or as couples if they also are eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits. The federal Social Security Administration determines eligibility for SSI benefits, which provide assistance to elderly or disabled people in financial need. In 2010, the monthly income limits for SSI eligibility were $674 for individuals and $1,011 for couples.
Tags: federal poverty, federal poverty level, monthly income, percent federal, percent federal poverty
