How to apply for Florida Medicaid for the Aged, Blind & Disabled (MEDS-AD)

Who it's for

Florida Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled — commonly called MEDS-AD — is the state's comprehensive Medicaid coverage for low-income seniors 65 and older (and people who are blind or disabled at any age). It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, lab work, durable medical equipment, and community-based long-term care, and it works alongside Medicare to pay for what Medicare doesn't. Florida is a 1634 state, which means anyone who qualifies for federal SSI is automatically enrolled in Medicaid — no separate application is needed. Seniors who aren't on SSI can still qualify through the MEDS-AD pathway, which uses more generous income limits set at 88% of the federal poverty level (about $1,182/month for an individual or $1,596/month for a couple) with countable assets at or below $5,000 individual / $6,000 couple. Countable assets exclude the primary home and one vehicle. Seniors whose income is above the MEDS-AD limit may still qualify through Florida's Medically Needy 'share of cost' pathway, which lets you use unpaid medical expenses to reduce countable income below the standard each month.

What you'll need

• Proof of identity (Florida driver's license or state ID)
• Social Security card
• Medicare card (if enrolled)
• Proof of all income (Social Security award letter, pension statements, wages)
• Bank statements and documentation of countable resources (savings, checking, investments)
• Proof of Florida residency
• Proof of citizenship or qualified immigration status

Where to apply

Renewals

annual