How to apply for Florida Medicaid
You can apply for Florida Medicaid through three channels: online at the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) website, by phone, or in person at your local DCF office. The online route is fastest — you create an account, fill out the application, and upload documents without waiting for an appointment. Phone applications take longer because staff must enter your information manually. In-person applications let you ask questions but require travel and may involve a wait.
The application itself asks for household income, citizenship or immigration status, Social Security numbers, and details about any current insurance. You will need to upload or bring proof documents: a recent pay stub or tax return for income, a birth certificate or passport for identity, and proof of Florida residency like a utility bill or lease. The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes online if your documents are ready.
Key Takeaways
- Apply online at myflorida.gov/accessflorida, by phone at 1-866-762-2237, or in person at your county DCF office — online is fastest and requires no appointment.
- You will need proof of income, identity, citizenship or immigration status, and Florida residency before you start the application.
- Florida Medicaid covers people earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, which is about $1,967 per month for a single person in 2024, though this amount changes yearly.
- After you submit, DCF sends a decision letter within 30 days; if you are approved, coverage begins the first day of the month after approval.
- If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request a hearing to challenge the decision.
What documents you need before you start
Gather these documents before opening the application. Having them ready cuts your time in half and prevents the application from timing out while you search for a file.
Income proof: A recent pay stub (within 30 days), a tax return from the past two years, or a letter from your employer stating your salary. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. If you receive Social Security, unemployment, or child support, bring the award letter or a recent statement showing the amount.
Identity and citizenship: A birth certificate, passport, or state ID. If you were not born in the United States, bring your immigration documents — a green card, visa, or I-94 arrival record. Refugees and asylees can use their approval letters.
Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Florida address dated within the past 60 days. A government letter with your address also works.
Social Security numbers: You will need the SSN for every person in your household applying for Medicaid. If someone does not have an SSN, you can still apply, but processing takes longer.
Applying online through myflorida.gov/accessflorida
Go to myflorida.gov/accessflorida and click "Apply Now." You will create a login using an email address and password. The system then asks you to choose which benefits you are applying for — select "Medicaid" and any other programs you think you might need (food assistance, cash assistance, or child care subsidy).
The application asks for your household size, income, assets, and citizenship status. Answer honestly; the system cross-checks with Social Security and the IRS. If your household includes children, you will answer questions about their school enrollment and any child support. The form takes 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready.
When you reach the document upload section, take photos of your documents with your phone or scan them as PDFs. Upload them in the order the system requests. If a document is blurry or cut off, the caseworker will contact you to ask for a clearer copy, which delays your decision.
After you submit, you receive a confirmation number. Write it down. DCF will send you a letter within 30 days telling you whether you are approved, denied, or need to provide more information. You can also log back into your account to check the status.
Applying by phone or in person
Call the Florida Medicaid hotline at 1-866-762-2237 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your documents ready because the caseworker will ask the same questions as the online form and will type your answers into the system. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. At the end, the caseworker gives you a case number and tells you when to expect a decision letter.
To apply in person, find your county DCF office at myflorida.gov/accessflorida and click "Find an Office." Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. Some offices have appointment slots; call ahead to ask. Bring all your documents in originals or copies. A caseworker will review them on the spot, answer questions, and submit your application the same day.
Income limits and what they mean
Florida Medicaid covers people whose household income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. For 2024, that means a single person earning up to about $1,967 per month, a couple earning up to $2,656, and a family of four earning up to $4,033. These amounts increase each January.
Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and rental income. It does not include food stamps, housing assistance, or most tax refunds. If you are self-employed, DCF counts your net income (revenue minus business expenses).
Household size includes you, your spouse if you live together, and any children under 19 who live with you. Adult children, parents, and other relatives do not count toward household size unless you claim them as dependents on your taxes.
What happens after you submit your application
DCF has 30 days to make a decision. During that time, a caseworker reviews your documents, checks your income against tax records and Social Security, and verifies your citizenship. If something is missing or unclear, they send you a notice asking for more information. You have 10 days to respond; if you do not, your application is denied.
If you are approved, you receive a letter with your case number and the date your coverage begins — usually the first day of the month after approval. Your Medicaid card arrives in the mail within two weeks. You can use it at any doctor, hospital, or pharmacy that accepts Florida Medicaid.
If you are denied, the letter explains the reason — usually income over the limit, missing documents, or citizenship not verified. The letter also tells you how to request a hearing to challenge the decision. You have 90 days from the date of the letter to file a hearing request.
Renewing your Medicaid coverage
Florida Medicaid requires renewal every 12 months. DCF sends you a renewal form by mail about 30 days before your coverage expires. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it back or submit it online through your myflorida.gov account. If you do not renew, your coverage stops on the last day of your 12-month period.
You can renew online, by phone, or in person using the same methods as the initial application. Renewal is usually faster because DCF already has most of your information. If your income, household size, or address has not changed, you may only need to confirm that information and sign the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved?
DCF has 30 days to make a decision from the date you submit your application. If documents are missing or unclear, they send a notice asking for more information, and the clock pauses while you respond. Most approvals happen within 15 to 20 days if your documents are complete and clear.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and some visa holders can get Florida Medicaid. Undocumented immigrants cannot get regular Medicaid, but Florida does cover emergency services for anyone regardless of immigration status. Bring your immigration documents to prove your status.
What if I get denied?
The denial letter explains why — usually income over the limit, missing proof, or citizenship not verified. You have 90 days to request a hearing before an administrative judge. File the hearing request by mail or through your myflorida.gov account. The hearing is free and you can bring documents or a representative to argue your case.
Do I need to report changes while I have Medicaid?
Yes. Report changes in income, household size, address, or employment within 10 days. You can report changes online through myflorida.gov, by phone at 1-866-762-2237, or in person at your DCF office. Failure to report can result in overpayment that you may have to repay.
What if I already have other insurance?
You can have both Medicaid and private insurance. Medicaid becomes your secondary payer, meaning it covers costs your private insurance does not. This is common for people with employer coverage or Medicare. Report your other insurance on the application so DCF can coordinate benefits correctly.