Figuring out Medicaid in Florida can feel like navigating a maze. The 2026 updates make it even more important to know where you stand financially.
Florida is still an “income cap” state for long-term care Medicaid programs. Even going a little over the limit could keep you from qualifying unless you have the right strategies in place.
Waiting until a health crisis hits often leaves families scrambling to spend down assets quickly or face penalties. Planning early isn’t just about hitting a number. It’s about protecting your savings and legacy, while ensuring you can get the care you or your loved ones deserve.
2026 Florida Medicaid Financial Limits at a Glance
These figures apply to the Institutional Care Program (ICP) and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The January 2026 Florida DCF Eligibility Standards outline them.
| Category | Single Applicant | Married (One Spouse Applying) | Married (Both Applying) |
| Monthly Income Limit | $2,982 | $2,982 | $5,964 |
| Countable Asset Limit | $2,000 | $2,000 / $162,660 (CSRA) | $3,000 |
| Home Equity Limit | $752,000 | Exempt if spouse resides there | $752,000 |
| Personal Needs Allowance | $160 | $160 | $160 (each) |
Notes:
- Florida is an “income cap” state, so even a slight income excess can affect eligibility for long-term care Medicaid.
- CSRA stands for Community Spouse Resource Allowance and protects the spouse who is not applying for Medicaid.
- Home equity and personal needs allowance limits apply specifically to long-term care Medicaid programs.
- Regular Medicaid for aged or disabled individuals without long-term care needs follows different and lower income and asset limits.
How the Income Cap Works and How a Miller Trust Helps
In Florida, a monthly income over $2,982 usually disqualifies you from Medicaid long-term care. This situation is often called the “Income Gap.”
A solution is a Qualified Income Trust (QIT), also known as a Miller Trust. Each month, you deposit any income over the limit into the trust.
The trust allows you to legally bypass the strict income cap and remain eligible for Medicaid. The key is to set it up correctly and fund it every month. Otherwise, you could lose eligibility immediately.
Asset Limits: What Counts and What Doesn’t
Florida separates assets into countable and exempt categories. To stay under the $2,000 limit for a single applicant, it’s crucial to know which assets count.
Countable Assets (Must be under $2,000)
- Checking, savings, and money market accounts
- Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
- Secondary real estate or vacation homes
- Cash value of life insurance policies when the total face value exceeds $2,500
Exempt Assets (Do Not Count Toward the Limit)
- Primary Residence: Up to $752,000 in home equity is exempt. The exemption applies if a spouse, minor child, or disabled child lives there and the applicant intends to return home.
- One Vehicle: Any value
- Irrevocable Burial Contracts: Plus up to $2,500 in designated burial funds
- Retirement Accounts: IRAs and 401(k)s are usually exempt if in “pay status,” though distributions count as income.
Protecting the Healthy Spouse from Financial Hardship
If you’re married and only one spouse needs long-term care, Florida law protects the other spouse. The law prevents the community spouse from becoming financially unstable.
- Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA): The healthy spouse can keep up to $162,660 in countable assets.
- Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA): If the healthy spouse’s income is low, the applicant may allocate a portion of their income to the community spouse. The maximum allowance for 2026 is $4,066.50.
These protections ensure that the spouse at home can maintain a stable standard of living while the other receives care.
The 5-Year “Look-Back” Period
One of the most common mistakes families make is gifting assets to meet the $2,000 Medicaid limit. Florida Medicaid reviews all financial transactions from the past 60 months.
Any transfer of assets for less than fair market value during these 5 years can trigger a penalty period. During that time, Medicaid will not cover care. The family handles nursing home costs, which in Florida can now exceed $10,000 per month.
Common Questions About Medicaid Eligibility Limits
Do Medicaid eligibility limits change every year?
Yes. Income limits update each January based on Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. For 2026, the individual income cap is $2,982. Check your own eligibility with the Medicaid Eligibility Calculator.
Does Medicaid count my home as an asset?
Usually not. Your primary residence is exempt if equity is under $752,000. If a spouse or minor/disabled child lives there, the equity limit does not apply.
Can I qualify if my income is too high?
Yes. A Qualified Income Trust (QIT), or Miller Trust, redirects income above $2,982 so you can qualify for benefits.
What happens if my assets exceed the limit?
Medicaid will deny your application unless you spend down to the $2,000 threshold. Spending should be on legitimate expenses, such as home repairs, medical bills, or debt, not on gifts to family.
Who can help me plan around Medicaid limits?
An elder law attorney is the best resource. They can set up Miller Trusts and structure asset spend-downs to meet 2026 rules while avoiding penalties.
Plan Early. Protect Care.
Medicaid rules are strict, and waiting can cost you options. Early planning helps avoid delays, reduce stress, and protect access to care.
The Scott Law Offices can help you navigate the 2026 Medicaid eligibility limits with confidence. Schedule a consultation today and move forward with clarity.
