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 ($1,171/month for an individual or $1,588/month for a couple, April 2026 through March 2027) 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

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Florida Medicaid for the Aged, Blind & Disabled (MEDS-AD). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of identity (Florida driver's license or state ID), social Security card, medicare card (if enrolled) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check whether you already receive federal SSI benefits. If you do, Florida automatically enrolls you in Medicaid — no separate application is needed.
2. Gather your required documents: a Florida driver's license or state ID, your Social Security card, your Medicare card (if enrolled), proof of all income (such as a Social Security award letter, pension statements, or wage records), bank statements and documentation of countable resources (savings, checking, and investments), proof of Florida residency, and proof of citizenship or qualified immigration status.
3. Apply online through the Florida Department of Children and Families' benefits portal, or call 1-866-762-2237 to apply by phone or get help with your application.
4. Complete all sections of the application honestly and in full. Double-check that every required document is included before you submit.
5. Submit your application and keep copies of everything you send in, including any confirmation number or receipt you receive.

What to expect: After you submit, the Florida Department of Children and Families will review your application and may contact you if additional information is needed. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate when you apply. If approved, your coverage will help pay for doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, lab work, durable medical equipment, and community-based long-term care — and it will work alongside Medicare to cover costs Medicare does not pay. If your income is above the MEDS-AD limit, ask about the Medically Needy share-of-cost pathway, which may still allow you to qualify. Coverage must be renewed every year, so watch for a renewal notice from the agency and respond promptly to avoid any gap in benefits.

Renewals

annual