Page 5 - A Simple Guide to Medicaid Planning

Y O U ’ R E P R O B A B L Y
YOU’RE PROBABLY
YOU’RE PROBABLY
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WONDERING…
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WONDERING…
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET APPROVED FOR MEDICAID?
Approval timelines vary based on your situation and the type of care you need.
Nursing home care: the statewide average is around 90 days to approval from the date of application,
but thanks to our relationship with the Department of Children and Families, Family First Firm’s average is
less than 45 days.
Assisted living or in-home care: can take at least 6 months due to the waitlist involved with this type of
application.

DOES MEDICAID PAY FOR NURSING HOMES?

Yes! In Florida, Medicaid can help pay for long-term care in:
Nursing homes, If approved, Medicaid can cover much of the costs of care,
Assisted living facilities, including room, meals, personal care, and medical-related
Certain in-home care services, or services. We can help you meet eligibility requirements, even if
Adult day care facilities. you think you don’t qualify due to income or assets.

WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE START PLANNING FOR MEDICAID?

The earlier, the better. Ideally, planning should begin years before care is needed—not during a crisis.

That said, if care is needed now, legal planning options are still available. Medicaid planning can be
coordinated with estate planning to protect your spouse and preserve family assets.

WHAT INCOME AND ASSETS AFFECT MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY?
Medicaid has strict income and asset limits that change each year. Many people are surprised to learn that

having “too much” in savings or income can cause a denial, even after a lifetime of careful planning.

There are legal strategies to help you qualify without spending everything down.
Family First Firm can help position assets properly and avoid common mistakes.

CAN MEDICARE AND MEDICAID BOTH HELP WITH NURSING HOME COSTS?

These documents are legally binding, but disputes can still happen- especially during emotional situations.
Clear, properly prepared documents reduce the risk of confusion or conflict. Having an experienced elder law
attorney prepare your documents will help prevent mistakes and makes your wishes easier to honor when it
matters most. They serve different roles:

Medicare may cover short-term rehabilitation in a nursing home (typically up to 20 days fully covered or up
to 100 days if enrolled in certain advantage or supplement plans).
Medicaid is the program that can cover long-term nursing home care once eligibility is met beyond just a

few weeks or a few months.
Many families are caught off guard when Medicare coverage ends. Planning for Medicaid helps avoid
financial emergencies when long-term care is needed.

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