Friday, May 8, 2009

Income Guidelines For Medicaid Benefits In Florida

Florida Medicaid provides federal and state funded free or low-cost healthcare.


Florida Medicaid provides medical coverage to qualifying low-income residents. Income requirements depend on your household size, age and overall health. You are encouraged to apply for benefits even if it appears you will not meet Florida Medicaid income limits. Allowable deductions and exemptions are applied to your earnings prior to income limit tests, thus you may be eligible depending on your earnings sources and household circumstances.


Adults


As of 2009, Florida adults with dependents under age 18 may be eligible for Medicaid if their monthly gross income does not exceed $303 for a family of three. Qualifying adult applicants may have up to $2,000 in assets such as bank accounts and property. Pregnant women may receive benefits if their income does not exceed 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Asset limits do not apply to pregnant women.


Children


Children up to age 1 may be eligible if the household income does not exceed 200 percent of the FPL. The income limit for children ages 1 to 5 is 133 percent of the FPL. Children ages 6 to 18 may qualify if their income is at or below 100 percent of the FPL. Asset limits do not apply to children applying for Florida Medicaid. Moreover, children ineligible for traditional Medicaid due to income may qualify for either Florida Medikids or the Healthy Kids Program. The programs insure children ages 1 to 18 if their gross income does not exceed 200 percent of the FPL.


Elderly and Disabled


As of 2010, individuals age 65 and older or the disabled may qualify for Medicaid under the MEDS-AD program if their monthly income does not exceed $795. Couples may qualify with a combined income of $1,069 monthly. Qualified applicants must not have Medicare Part A or B. Asset limits for the MEDS-AD plan are $5,000 for individuals or $6,000 for couples. Elderly or disabled individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for Medicaid. Moreover, full or partial Medicaid benefits are available to Medicare recipients to offset deductible, co-pay and coinsurance costs.


Medically Needy


If you are ineligible for Medicaid due to income or assets, you may qualify for the Medically Needy program. With the Medically Needy plan, Medicaid coverage begins once you pay a predetermined portion of your medical bills based on your current income. There is no income limit for the program, but your assets cannot exceed $5,000 for one person up to $8,500 for a family of eight.

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