The basic steps to get Medicaid in Florida

You apply through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), either online at myflorida.gov or in person at your local DCF office. The state uses a single application form that covers Medicaid and other programs. You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, and your Social Security number. Processing takes about 30 days from the date DCF receives a complete application.

Florida Medicaid covers low-income adults, children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. The income limits and what the program covers depend on which category you fall into. You do not have to be a Florida resident to apply, but you must live in Florida when your coverage starts.

If you are denied, you have the right to request a hearing. DCF will tell you how to do this in the denial letter. Many people are denied the first time because they did not provide all the documents DCF asked for, so check the letter carefully to see what is missing.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply online at myflorida.gov or at your local DCF office; the same application covers Medicaid and other programs.
  • You will need proof of income, a Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal residency before you submit.
  • Processing takes about 30 days once DCF has all the documents it needs, not from the day you apply.
  • If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request a hearing to challenge the decision.
  • Florida Medicaid income limits and coverage vary by category—adults, children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities have different rules.

What documents you need to have ready

Gather these before you start the application: a photo ID or passport, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and proof of income from the last 30 days (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer). If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years.

You also need proof of citizenship or legal residency. A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work for citizenship. For legal residency, bring your green card, visa, or employment authorization document. If you do not have these, DCF can sometimes verify your status through federal databases, but it takes longer.

If you have a disability and are applying for SSI-related Medicaid, bring medical records or a letter from your doctor describing your condition. You do not need a formal disability information yet—DCF will request medical records from your providers if needed.

Income limits for different Medicaid categories in Florida

Florida Medicaid has separate income limits for children, pregnant people, parents and caretakers, seniors, and people with disabilities. The limits change each year. For the most current numbers, check myflorida.gov or call your local DCF office, because the limits vary and stating a number here could be outdated by the time you read this.

Generally, children and pregnant people have higher income limits than working-age adults without disabilities. Parents and caretakers have lower limits. Seniors and people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) have their own pathway, and SSI recipients often get Medicaid automatically or with a simpler process.

If your income is slightly above the limit, you may still be able to get coverage through a spend-down, where you set aside money for medical expenses and your remaining income counts toward the limit. Ask DCF whether a spend-down is an option for your situation.

How to apply online or in person

To apply online, go to myflorida.gov, create an account, and start a new application. The form asks for your name, address, income, household size, and citizenship status. You can upload documents directly or mail them later. Save your application number—you will need it to check the status or provide more information.

To apply in person, find your local DCF office on the myflorida.gov website and bring your documents with you. Staff can help you fill out the form and answer questions about what counts as income or proof of residency. In-person applications sometimes move faster because DCF can review your documents right away and ask for missing items on the spot.

You can also apply by mail. Download the application from myflorida.gov, fill it out, attach copies of your documents, and mail it to the address on the form. Keep a copy for your records and note the date you mailed it.

What happens after you submit your application

DCF will send you a letter or email within a few days to confirm they received your application and tell you what documents they still need. This is your chance to send anything that was missing. If you do not respond within 30 days, DCF will close your application and you will have to start over.

Once DCF has everything, they review your income, household size, and category to decide if you meet the rules. This review takes about 30 days. You will get a letter in the mail saying whether you were approved or denied. If approved, the letter will tell you your coverage start date and how to find a doctor or clinic.

If you are approved, your Medicaid card will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. You can use it at any provider that takes Florida Medicaid. If you need care before the card arrives, bring the approval letter to your appointment.

What to do if you are denied

The denial letter will explain the reason—usually that your income is too high, you did not provide proof of citizenship, or you do not live in Florida. Read it carefully. Many denials happen because DCF did not receive a document you thought you sent, or because you did not answer a question on the form.

You have 90 days from the date of the denial letter to request a hearing. The letter will tell you how to request one. At the hearing, you can present documents, explain your situation, and challenge DCF's decision. You do not need a lawyer, though you can bring one. Many people win their hearings because they can show DCF the missing document or correct information DCF had wrong.

While you wait for a hearing, you can apply again if your situation has changed—for example, if your income went down or you now have proof of citizenship. A new application is separate from the hearing request.

Coverage that starts right away and what is not covered

Florida Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health care, and emergency services. Pregnant people get coverage for prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care. Children get preventive care, vaccines, and dental and vision care. The exact coverage depends on your category and age.

Medicaid does not cover cosmetic surgery, most dental work for adults, vision care for adults, or long-term care in a nursing home (though it does cover some home and community-based services). Some services require prior approval from DCF before your provider can deliver them.

If you need a service and are not sure whether Medicaid covers it, call the number on the back of your Medicaid card or ask your doctor's office to check. Providers are used to this question and can usually get an answer in a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Medicaid if I am undocumented?

No. Florida Medicaid requires proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you are undocumented, you may be able to get emergency Medicaid, which covers emergency room visits and emergency surgery only. Ask your local DCF office or a community health center about emergency Medicaid in your area.

What if my income changes after I get Medicaid?

You must report changes within 30 days. If your income goes up above the limit, you will lose coverage. If it goes down, you might get more help with costs. Report changes online at myflorida.gov, by phone, or in person at your local DCF office.

How long does Medicaid coverage last?

Coverage lasts 12 months from your approval date. Before it expires, DCF will send you a renewal form. You must return it with updated income and household information to keep your coverage. If you do not renew, your coverage will end and you will have to apply again.

Can I get Medicaid if I am working?

Yes. Florida Medicaid has income limits that allow working people to have coverage. The limit depends on your household size and whether you have children or are pregnant. Many working people with low wages are covered. Check the current income limits on myflorida.gov to see if you may have access to.

What if I need Medicaid before my application is processed?

Some community health centers and hospitals offer sliding-scale fees based on income while you wait for Medicaid approval. Call ahead and ask. If you have an emergency, go to the emergency room—they must treat you regardless of insurance or ability to pay.