Medicaid

Medicaid is the state and federal partnership that provides health coverage for selected categories of people with low incomes. Its purpose is to improve the health of people who might otherwise go without medical care for themselves and their children. Medicaid is different in every state.

Florida Medicaid

Florida implemented the Medicaid Program on January 1, 1970, to provide medical services to indigent people. Over the years, the Florida Legislature has authorized Medicaid reimbursement for additional services. A major expansion occurred in 1989, when the United States Congress mandated that states provide all Medicaid services allowable under the Social Security Act to children under the age of 21.

Eligibility for Medicaid Services
Recipient eligibility for Medicaid is determined by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Economic Self Sufficiency. DCF determines Medicaid eligibility for:

• Low income families with children
• Children only
• Pregnant women
• Non-citizens with medical emergencies
• Aged and/or disabled individuals not currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)