“I never thought we’d need Medicaid until Mom’s fall.”
This is how countless conversations start at our office. Families who planned carefully for retirement suddenly face nursing home bills they never expected.
The search for a good nursing home that accepts Medicaid often begins with questions and concerns. When you’re worried about a loved one’s care, you want clear answers about your options.
This guide shares practical tips we’ve gathered from helping Northeast Florida families find the right care while using Medicaid planning strategies to safeguard assets.
Do All Florida Nursing Homes Accept Medicaid?
While not every nursing home in Florida accepts Medicaid, the vast majority do. According to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), more than half of Florida nursing homes participate in the Medicaid program.
However, there are important things to know:
- Some facilities have a limited number of “Medicaid beds” available
- Many prefer residents who can pay privately first
- Some may require private payment for a certain time before accepting Medicaid
- The quality of Medicaid-accepting facilities varies widely
Just because a nursing home accepts Medicaid doesn’t mean they’ll have immediate openings for Medicaid residents. Many maintain waitlists, which is why planning ahead matters so much.
How to Find Medicaid Nursing Homes in Florida
Finding the right facility takes research. Here’s how to start:
1. Use the Florida Nursing Home Guide
The Florida Nursing Home Guide is a valuable resource. This online tool lets you:
- Search for facilities by county
- View inspection reports
- See quality ratings
- Check if they accept Medicaid
When using the search tool, you can filter results to show only Medicaid-certified facilities in your area.
2. Contact Your Local Area Agency on Aging
The Florida Department of Elder Affairs operates Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state. These agencies can provide:
- Lists of Medicaid-certified nursing homes in your area
- Information about bed availability
- Guidance on the application process
- Referrals to other helpful resources
Call the Elder Helpline to connect with your local agency.
3. Talk to a Hospital Discharge Planner
If your loved one is currently in the hospital, talk to the discharge planner or social worker. They work with local nursing homes regularly and can help identify facilities that:
- Have current Medicaid openings
- Specialize in your loved one’s medical needs
- Are known for quality care
Hospital staff often have insights about local facilities that you won’t find online.
What to Look for in a Medicaid Nursing Home
Once you have a list of potential nursing homes, it’s time to evaluate them. Here’s what to look for:
1. Quality of Care
Just because a facility accepts Medicaid doesn’t mean the quality of care is lower. Use these resources to check quality:
- Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare provides star ratings based on health inspections, staffing, and quality measures
- Florida’s nursing home inspection reports available on the AHCA website
- Ask about staff-to-resident ratios, especially during nights and weekends
Facilities with higher ratings typically provide better care, regardless of payment source.
2. Location and Accessibility
Consider the location carefully:
- Is it close enough for family to visit regularly? Our office views this as our #1 predictor of the best care outcomes for our clients.
- Is it accessible for elderly spouses or family members?
- Is it near doctors who already know your loved one?
Regular family visits often lead to better care, so choosing a convenient location matters.
3. Services Offered
Different nursing homes offer different levels of specialized care:
- Memory care units for dementia patients
- Rehabilitation services
- Respiratory care
- Wound care
- Religious or cultural programs
Make sure the facility can handle your loved one’s specific medical needs.
4. Staff Attitude and Turnover
When you visit potential nursing homes, pay attention to:
- How staff interact with current residents
- Whether residents appear clean and well-cared for
- If call lights are answered promptly
- The general mood of the facility
High staff turnover often indicates problems, so ask how long key staff members have been employed there.
The Medicaid Application Process
Getting approved for Medicaid to cover nursing home care involves several steps:
1. Confirm Financial Eligibility
In Florida for 2025, Medicaid nursing home eligibility requires:
- Monthly income below $2,901 for an individual
- Countable assets below $2,000 for an individual
- Different limits apply for married couples
The Berg Bryant Elder Law Group can help you determine if you qualify and explain strategies to protect assets while still qualifying for Medicaid.
2. Meet Medical Requirements
To qualify for Medicaid nursing home coverage, the person must need:
- A “nursing home level of care” as determined by a medical assessment
- Assistance with multiple activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, or eating
- Or have medical needs requiring skilled nursing care
This assessment is typically conducted by Florida’s CARES program (Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services).
3. Apply for Medicaid
The application process can be complicated:
- Apply through the Florida Department of Children and Families
- Provide extensive financial documentation
- Be prepared for a detailed review of finances going back 5 years
- Expect the process to take 45-90 days
Many families work with an elder law attorney to help with this process, especially if they have questions about qualifying financially.
FAQs About Medicaid Nursing Homes
How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid nursing home coverage?
The application process typically takes 45-90 days in Florida. Planning ahead is crucial since you may need to pay privately during this time.
Will Medicaid pay for a private room in a nursing home?
Rarely. Medicaid typically covers only shared rooms. If a private room is medically necessary, a doctor can document this need, but approval is not guaranteed.
Can a nursing home evict a resident who switches from private pay to Medicaid?
No. If a nursing home is Medicaid-certified, they cannot legally evict a resident solely because they switch from private pay to Medicaid, as long as the resident still needs nursing home care.
Does Medicaid cover all nursing home costs?
Medicaid covers most costs, but residents must contribute most of their monthly income toward their care, keeping only a small personal needs allowance (about $160 per month in Florida).
What happens if I give away assets before applying for Medicaid?
Medicaid has a 5-year “lookback period.” Gifts or transfers for less than fair market value during this time can result in a penalty period when Medicaid won’t pay for care.
Getting Help with Your Nursing Home Search
At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, we help families in Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida find quality nursing home care. Our Florida Board Certified Elder Law Attorneys can help you evaluate facilities, qualify for Medicaid, and protect family assets.
Don’t wait until you’re in a crisis situation to start this process. Call our office to schedule a consultation.
We can review your specific situation, discuss eligibility requirements, and create a plan to help your loved one get the care they need while protecting family assets.
Author Bio
Kellen Bryant, Esq.
Founder
Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, Kellen Bryant focuses his law practice on advising and helping caregivers with a particular focus on asset protection and preservation from long-term care costs, creditors, and predators. Kellen Bryant is AV Preeminent® Rated, meaning his attorney peers rated him at the highest level of professional excellence. Kellen Bryant was nominated and selected as a Super Lawyer, Rising Star: 2022.
