Florida Medicaid Waiver

What Programs Are Available To Assist People With Disabilities in Florida?

Is there a Medicaid waiver program in Florida? Florida has several waivers including:

Project AIDS Care;
Assisted Living for the Elderly;
Alzheimer's Disease Program;
Channeling for the Frail Elderly;
Aged and Disabled Adult;
iBudget Florida;
DD Individual Budgeting;
Familial Dysautonomia Waiver;
Model Waiver;

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What state department handles the Medicaid waiver program in Florida? The Agency For Persons With Disabilities handles the Medicaid waiver program for persons with developmental disabilities. This program is iBudget Florida.

What programs assist people who have developmental disabilities in Florida? iBudget Florida is the Medicaid Waiver program for persons with Developmental Disabilities. Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC +) is an alternative to iBudget which gives the consumer the opportunity to hire workers and vendors directly. Paid workers may even be family members or friends.

What is the best number to call to get started? Telephone: (850) 488-4257
Toll-Free: 1-866-APD-CARES or 1-866-273-2273

Is there a website? ibudgetflorida.org

Who Qualifies For Assistance?

What is considered a developmental disability in Florida? Developmental disability” means a disorder or syndrome that is attributable to retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, or Prader-Willi syndrome; that manifests before the age of 18; and that constitutes a substantial handicap that can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely.

Are there income limits to receive services? Yes, however, under the Florida Medicaid waiver programs, the family's income is not counted in determining eligibility; the individual's income is used.The monthly income limit is $2130 for an individual and $4260 for an eligible couple. There is also an asset Limit of $2000 for an individual and $3000 for an eligible couple.

How old do you have to be to start receiving services in Florida? You must be age 3 or older and disabled as determined by Social Security criteria to receive iBudget Florida Services.

Is There a Waiting List For Services?

How long is the waiting list in Florida? Florida has almost as many people waiting for services as it serves. You can expect to wait 7 or more years before getting waiver services in Florida.

How many people are on the waiting list in Florida? There are about 25,000 people with developmental disabilities in Florida waiting for Medicaid waiver services. There were about 700 people added to the waiver in 2013. This was the first significant increase to the program since 2003.

How many people are currently receiving services in Florida? There are about 30,000 people with developmental disabilities getting Medicaid waiver services in Florida.

What assistance is available while you wait? Some services, such as diapers and personal care assistance may be available through Medicaid.

Is there priority preference for people who are in crisis? Yes, people with the most critical needs are served first.

What Services Are Offered & What Are The Service Limitations?

What services does the Florida Medicaid waiver program offer? Under iBudget Florida, services have been rearranged and a new service added. Service Groups include: Life Skills Development; Supplies and Equipment; Personal Supports; Residential Services; Transportation; Adult Dental; Therapeutic Supports and Wellness; and Support Coordination.

Does Florida offer community group homes? Yes, Florida offers Residential Supports Service to people living in certified group homes and assisted living facilities. Specialized Medical Home Care is another option.

Does Florida offer supported living? Yes, Florida offers Supported Living Coaching which provides training and assistance in a wide variety of activities to support individuals who live in and maintain homes or apartments of their own. Persons living in their own home may also receive personal supports which provides assistance and training in activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, and preparation of meals.

Are there still state owned institutions in Florida? Florida has five state owned institutions. There are about 900 people with disabilities living in Florida institutions, costing an average of $183,000 per person.

How Do You Select A Provider?

Do providers work for the state? Providers are contracted through the Agency For Persons With Disabilities.

About how many providers are there in the state? There are about 1,000 providers in Florida.

Do you have a choice in providers? Yes, in Florida you are encouraged to select your own providers. WaiverProvider.com lists providers in Florida.

How Do You Become A Provider?

Call (727) 841-8943 to order information on becoming a provider in Florida.

Additional Information