How to Get Free Home Health Care in Florida

This proIf you or a loved one needs help at home because of age, illness, or disability, the cost of care can feel overwhelming. The good news is that Florida Medicaid offers programs that can cover home health care services at little or no cost for those who qualify.

Even if your loved one does not currently qualify, there may still be legal strategies available to help protect assets and obtain eligibility. Before applying and risking a denial, consider scheduling a complimentary consultation with one of our attorneys.

This guide explains, in plain language, how the system works, who qualifies, what services are covered, and—most importantly—how to actually get started.

What “Free” Home Health Care Really Means

When people say “free” home health care, they usually mean care paid for by Medicaid. In Florida, Medicaid Home Health Care covers many types of in-home services, including nursing care, therapy, and help with daily activities.

For most people:

• There are no co-pays for home health services
• Prescription medications are typically fully covered
• You may need to contribute part of your income if you’re in a long-term care program

So while it may not be completely free in every situation, Medicaid pays the vast majority of the cost.

Who Qualifies for Florida Medicaid Home Health Care?

To get home health care through Florida Medicaid, you must meet three main requirements:

Financial Eligibility

Medicaid is a needs-based program, so your income and assets must fall below certain limits.

As of 2026:

• Income limit: about $2,982 per month (single applicant)
• Asset limit: about $2,000 (excluding certain exempt assets like your home)
• If the applicant does not meet the above criteria, our office can advise you with potential cures that are allowed under Medicaid rules.

If you’re married, different rules apply that may allow your spouse to keep more income and assets.

Medical Need

You must show that you actually need care.

For most adult programs, this means:

• You require a nursing home level of care, OR
• You need significant help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or mobility

A state assessment (called a CARES assessment) determines this.

Age or Disability Status

You generally qualify if you are:

• 65 or older, or
• 18+ with a disability, or
• A child with significant medical needs

Main Programs That Provide Home Health Care

Florida Medicaid Home Health Care offers several ways to receive care at home. The right one depends on your situation.

Long-Term Care (LTC) Program

This is the main program for seniors and disabled adults.

It provides:

• Home health aides
• Skilled nursing
• Therapy services
• Personal care (help with bathing, dressing, meal prep, light housekeeping)
• Medical equipment
• Nutrition counseling and meals
• Limited transportation
• Respite care
• Some medical supplies
• Adult day care

This program is designed to keep people out of nursing homes by providing care at home instead.

PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)

This program is for people:

• Age 55 and older
• Who need nursing home-level care
• But can still live safely at home

PACE covers everything—medical care, home care, transportation, and more—but you must use doctors in their network and services.

Regular Medicaid (Managed Medical Assistance)

This covers:

• Doctor visits
• Some home health services
• Therapy
• Medical equipment

However, it’s more limited than the Florida Long-Term Care program for ongoing daily care.

Children’s Services (PDN and Personal Care)

Children under 21 with serious medical needs can receive:

• Private Duty Nursing (PDN) (even 24-hour care in some cases)
• Personal care assistance

What Services Are Covered?

Florida Medicaid covers a wide range of services that help people stay at home safely.

Medical Services

• Skilled nursing visits (wound care, medications, monitoring)
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

Daily Living Support

• Help with bathing, dressing, eating
• Meal preparation
• Light housekeeping
• Companionship

Equipment and Supplies

• Wheelchairs
• Hospital beds
• Oxygen
• Walkers and other assistive devices

Other Support

• Transportation to medical appointments
• Respite care for caregivers
• Adult day care (in some programs)

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Getting home health care through Medicaid isn’t a single step, it’s a process. Here’s how it usually works.

Step 1: Contact Your Local Aging Office

Start by calling the Elder Helpline (1-800-963-5337) or your local Area Agency on Aging.

They will:

• Screen your needs
• Place you on the waitlist (if applying for LTC)
• Guide you through the process

Step 2: Get a Doctor’s Certification (Form 3008)

Your doctor must complete a form confirming that you need nursing-home-level care.

This step is critical—without it, your application won’t move forward.

Step 3: Apply for Medicaid

You can apply:

• Online through the ACCESS Florida website
• By mail
• In person at a local office

Be sure to indicate that you are applying for:

• Long-Term Care or
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

You’ll need to provide:

• Proof of income
• Bank statements
• Identification
• Social Security information
• Insurance details
• Proof of any financial cures employed

Missing documents are one of the biggest causes of delays.

Step 5: Complete the CARES Assessment

A nurse or assessor will visit your home to evaluate:

• Your physical condition
• Your ability to perform daily tasks
• Your overall care needs

This determines whether you qualify medically.

Step 6: Choose a Managed Care Plan

If approved, you’ll receive a packet asking you to select a Medicaid plan.

These plans manage your care and coordinate services.

Step 7: Create a Care Plan

Once enrolled:

• A case manager will visit you
• They will create a plan based on your needs
• Services will be approved and scheduled

How Long Does It Take?

The process is not instant. Typical timelines:

• Medicaid approval: 3-6 months
• Assessment scheduling: 2–14 weeks
• Plan enrollment: a few weeks

If you are applying for the Florida Long-Term Care program, there may also be a waitlist, which can take months or longer depending on need.

What Will You Have to Pay?

Most people are surprised by how little they pay out of pocket.

Generally:

• Home health services: $0 co-pay
• Prescriptions: $0
• Equipment: covered

But there’s one important exception:

If you are in long-term care Medicaid, you may have a “share of cost”:

• Most of your monthly income goes toward care
• You keep about $160/month for personal use

Common Problems (and How to Handle Them)

Problem: Application Denied

What to do:

• Find out why (missing documents, income, medical need)
• Submit additional information
• Request a fair hearing if needed

Problem: Not Enough Care Hours Approved

What to do:

• File an appeal with your plan
• Provide medical documentation
• Ask your doctor to support increased care

Problem: No Providers Available

This happens more than it should.

Options:

• Try a different Medicaid plan
• Ask about consumer-directed care (hire your own caregiver)
• Contact your local aging agency for help

Problem: The Process Is Taking Too Long

What helps:

• Follow up regularly with your caseworker
• Make sure all documents are submitted

Tips to Make the Process Easier

• Start early – especially if applying for long-term care
• Stay organized – keep copies of everything
• Follow up often – don’t assume things are moving
• Ask for help – local agencies can guide you for free

Final Thoughts

Getting Florida Medicaid Home Health Care can feel complicated, but it’s absolutely possible—and for many families, it’s life-changing.

The key things to remember are:

• You must meet financial and medical requirements
• The process involves multiple steps and agencies
• Most services are fully covered once approved

The process can be overwhelming, especially when your loved one is in crisis.  Working with an experienced, elder law firm can help. Contact us for a free consultation.