Long-term care planning can be a complex issue for seniors. For many older Floridians, funding is one of the most challenging parts of long-term care planning. However, a Florida Medicaid waiver can help with long-term care costs. It can provide valuable financial support for seniors needing long-term care.
This post will cover the basics of Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program.
What You Need to Know About the Long-Term Care Florida Medicaid Waiver
This long-term care program operates similarly to an HMO. However, instead of covering broader healthcare services, it only covers long-term care support. Eligible seniors obtain care by selecting a plan from one of their local Managed Care Organizations (MCO). The selected provider then assumes responsibility for the senior’s long-term care needs. Counselors are available to assist in selecting a suitable long-term care plan.
Upon selecting a plan, the senior will have a case manager who assesses their care requirements. Family members are encouraged to contribute to this process since they can provide valuable insights to the case manager. With the assessment, the case manager creates a case plan for the individual. Plans cover various services and supports, including personal care, adult day care, assisted living, medical equipment, and more. Click here to learn more about available services.
While each plan has a network of care providers, the individual retains some control through the Participant Directed Option (PDO). The PDO allows them to choose their care providers, including hiring family members if desired. The senior may also request a hearing if they believe their MCO denied necessary support.
Program Eligibility for Seniors
Being a senior means the individual meets the requirement of being 65 or older for eligibility. Beyond that, the senior would also need nursing care to be eligible. However, the program also has significant income and asset limitations it places on eligibility.
The current income limit for applicants is $2,829/month for individuals. The limit for assets is $2,000 in total value for an individual. Applicants must remember that Medicaid considers various income sources and assets. The senior’s home may also be exempt from the asset calculation, meaning it won’t count toward the $2,000 limit.
Enrollment
Enrollment in the program starts with contacting Florida’s Aging and Disability Resource Center. From there, the senior will need to arrange a screening. Screenings can occur over the phone and take about an hour to complete. The screening will result in a priority score determining the applicant’s position on the waitlist.
Do you need elder law services in Florida? Click here to contact Scott Law Offices. We offer a range of services to help seniors navigate the complex legal issues that come with aging. Reach out now to learn more about how we can help.
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