How-To

How to Apply for Medicaid in Florida 2026: Step-by-Step

Q: Who qualifies for Medicaid in Florida?

Florida did not expand Medicaid. Coverage is available for: children (CHIP up to 200% FPL), pregnant women (up to 191% FPL), parents and caregivers with dependent children at very low income (about 26-33% FPL), adults 65+, people with disabilities, and individuals needing long-term care.

Q: How do I apply for Medicaid in Florida?

Apply online at ACCESS Florida (myflorida.com/accessflorida), by phone at 1-866-762-2237, in person at your local Department of Children and Families (DCF) service center, or by mailing a paper application. You'll need proof of identity, income, Florida residency, and Social Security numbers for all applying household members.

Q: How long does Florida Medicaid take to approve?

DCF has 45 days to process standard applications (90 days for disability-based). Emergency Medicaid can be approved faster for pregnant women and children. If you're denied, you have 90 days to request a fair hearing.

Q: Does Florida have Medicaid managed care?

Yes. Most Florida Medicaid recipients are enrolled in managed care plans through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. After approval, you'll choose a health plan. If you don't choose, one will be assigned. You can switch plans once per year or with good cause.

June 30, 2026 · 5 min read · Florida Medicaid overview

Important: Florida has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Most single adults and childless couples do not qualify, regardless of income.

Florida Medicaid covers children, pregnant women, parents with young children at very low income, seniors, and people with disabilities. Here's how to apply in 2026 using ACCESS Florida — the state's online portal.

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Who qualifies for Medicaid in Florida?

Children under 19: Up to 200% FPL via Florida KidCare/CHIP
Pregnant women: Up to 191% FPL for pregnancy and 60 days postpartum
Parents/caregivers: With dependent children at very low income (~26–33% FPL)
Adults 65+: Who meet income and asset criteria
Adults with disabilities: Receiving SSI or meeting SSI criteria
Long-term care: Nursing home and home/community-based waiver programs

Documents to gather

Government-issued photo ID
Social Security numbers for all household members applying
Proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mail)
Proof of income (recent pay stubs, bank statements, or award letters)
Proof of citizenship or immigration status
If pregnant: verification from your doctor or hospital
If disabled: medical documentation or SSI/SSDI award letter

Step-by-step: how to apply

Online (recommended): Go to ACCESS Florida, create an account, and complete the application. You can check your status and upload documents through the same portal.
By phone: Call 1-866-762-2237 (DCF Customer Call Center), Mon–Fri 7am–6pm ET.
In person: Visit a DCF service center near you. Bring all documents.
By mail: Download and print Form CF-ES 2370, complete it, and mail to your local DCF service center.

Apply for SNAP and Medicaid together

In Florida, you can apply for both programs in the same application at ACCESS Florida — check both at once.

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After you apply

DCF has 45 days to decide (90 days if disability documentation is required). You'll receive a notice by mail. If approved, you'll be enrolled in a Florida Medicaid managed care plan — you'll have a choice of health plans in your area.

If denied, you can request a fair hearing within 90 days by calling 1-800-96-APPEAL or submitting a written request to DCF.

What if I don't qualify?

If you're an adult without qualifying children or a disability and you don't qualify for Florida Medicaid, options include:

ACA Marketplace plans at HealthCare.gov — may be subsidized if income is 100–400% FPL
Federally Qualified Health Centers at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov — sliding-scale fees, no minimum
Community health programs and free clinics throughout Florida

Common questions

Who qualifies for Medicaid in Florida?

Children, pregnant women, parents with dependent children at very low income, adults 65+, and people with disabilities. Florida has not expanded Medicaid so most childless adults don't qualify.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Florida?

Online at ACCESS Florida (myflorida.com/accessflorida), by phone at 1-866-762-2237, in person at a DCF service center, or by mail.

How long does Florida Medicaid take to approve?

Up to 45 days for most applications; 90 days when disability documentation is needed. Pregnant women and children are often approved faster.

Does Florida have Medicaid managed care?

Yes. Most Floridians on Medicaid are enrolled in managed care plans through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program. After approval, you'll choose a health plan or one will be auto-assigned.

Related guides

Free benefits screener — Florida edition

SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, LIHEAP, and more — 2 minutes, no account needed.

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