Medicaid is a program for people with low income who meet certain eligibility requirements and programs can vary from state-to-state.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 or older, disabled persons, or those with end-stage kidney disease. Medicare eligibility is not based on income, and basic coverage is the same in each state.

The following people may qualify for Florida Medicaid if they meet certain financial requirements:

• Low-income families with children
• Pregnant women
• Infants and children under the age of 21
• Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• People who are aged 65 or older
• People who are blind or expected to be disabled for at least a year
• People who need nursing home care or home and community-based care
• People who are on Medicare
• Aliens and refugees under a special assistance program (Emergency Medicaid)
• Individuals who are medically needy
• Call Choice Counseling at their toll-free helpline 1-877-711-3662 for more information.

People who have large monthly medical bills may be able to get Medicaid assistance even if their income and resources exceed the requirements for Florida Medicaid eligibility. Their Medicaid eligibility is evaluated every month.

These Medicaid beneficiaries may have to pay a portion of their monthly medical costs before Florida Medicaid will cover the rest of their medical bills. This is called "share of cost." The amount of the share depends on the patient's monthly income and medical expenses.

It is not necessary to have lived in Florida for a certain length of time, but you need to be a resident of Florida. If you just moved to Florida and were covered by Medicaid in another state, you will still need to apply for Medicaid in Florida. However, if you are a recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you can simply contact the Social Security Office to report your new address.

Applications for Medicaid are made through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Applications are available on-line or by calling the DCF toll-free number 1-866-762-2237.

If you do not have a computer at home, check your local library, school, or community center for possible computer use and Internet access. Also, local service centers of the Department of Children and Families provide computers for filing an application.

When you apply for Medicaid, you must fill out an application form. You will also need to have various documents:

• Information about household members (name, date of birth and Social Security number)
• Rent or mortgage information
• Expenses (utilities, daycare, etc.)
• Vehicle information
• Bank statements
• Income (pay stubs)
• Proof of disability or medical records showing a lasting medical condition
• Recent medical bills
• Proof of citizenship
• Additional information as requested

For more information on Florida Medicaid, download the Florida Medicaid Reference Guide