Florida's Medicaid long-term care programme can pay for home accessibility adaptations, such as ramps, grab bars and wider doorways, when they help a member stay at home instead of moving to a nursing home. Stair lifts and elevators are not named in the rule. It is not an entitlement programme: you start with a screening call to your local Aging and Disability Resource Center, and there is a wait list.
Please read
General information only, not medical, legal or financial advice. Programme rules and amounts change. Check with the programme itself before you rely on anything here, and never assume you qualify until the programme tells you so.
What does Florida Medicaid long-term care cover in the home?
Florida's Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) long-term care programme lists home accessibility adaptation as a covered service. The coverage policy describes it as physical adaptations to the home without which the member would require institutionalisation, and gives examples: installing ramps and grab bars, widening doorways, modifying bathrooms and installing specialised electric and plumbing systems. Adaptations must meet building codes.[1] Stair lifts and elevators are not named, so ask your plan whether they could qualify in your case.
Who is eligible?
The Department of Elder Affairs lists three conditions: aged 65 or over and eligible for Medicaid, or aged 18 or over and eligible for Medicaid because of a disability, and found by the CARES unit to need a nursing home level of care.[3] The Department of Children and Families decides financial eligibility.[2]
How do you apply?
- Screening. Call your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). It asks screening questions by phone, and the score and priority rank decide your place on the wait list.[2]
- Eligibility. When your name comes up, medical and financial eligibility are checked.
- Choose a plan. Once enrolled, the plan arranges covered services, including any approved home adaptations.
Which ADRC serves my county?
| County | ADRC | Phone | Medicaid region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Alliance for Aging, Inc. | (305) 670-6500 | I |
| Broward | Area Agency on Aging of Broward County | (954) 745-9567 | H |
| Palm Beach | Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast | (561) 684-5885 | G |
| Hillsborough | Senior Connection Center | (813) 740-3888 | D |
| Pinellas | Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas | (727) 570-9696 | C |
| Collier and Lee | Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida | (239) 652-6900 | F |
The programme is not an entitlement like regular Medicaid, so being eligible does not mean services start right away.[2]
What this means for you
If your parent might be eligible, call the ADRC early, because the wait list order depends on the screening. Do not delay urgent safety changes while you wait; ask the ADRC what can help in the meantime.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for Florida Medicaid long-term care?
Elder Affairs lists people aged 65 or over who are eligible for Medicaid, or aged 18 or over and eligible for Medicaid because of a disability, who are also found by CARES to need nursing home level of care.
Will Florida Medicaid pay for a stair lift?
The rule names ramps, grab bars, wider doorways, bathroom changes and specialised electrical and plumbing work. Stair lifts are not named, so ask your plan whether a lift could count for your situation.
How long is the wait?
It depends on your screening score and priority rank, which decide your place on the wait list. The ADRC can tell you more after screening.
What number do I call?
Your local Aging and Disability Resource Center, or the statewide Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).
Sources
- Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-term Care Program Coverage Policy (Rule 59G-4.192), Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- SMMC Long-Term Care Recipient FAQs, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program, Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Florida Statutes s. 409.966, Statewide Medicaid Managed Care regions, Florida Legislature. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Accessed October 28, 2026.
