How to apply for Florida Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

Four ways to apply for Florida Medicaid

What documents do you need before you apply?

Gathering these items before starting your application avoids delays. DCF may already have some information on file if your household previously received Medicaid or SNAP.

• Proof of identity — driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
• Social Security numbers for all household members applying
• Proof of Florida residency — utility bill, lease agreement, or mail with your address
• Proof of income — recent pay stubs, employer letter, or tax return for self-employed applicants
• Immigration documents for non-citizens (permanent resident card, visa, I-94)
• Proof of disability or SSI award letter (if applying based on disability)
• Asset documentation for elderly and disabled applicants — bank statements, property records

Standard MAGI-based Medicaid (for most families, children, and pregnant women) does not have an asset test. If you are applying as an elderly or disabled individual, DCF will also ask about assets.

How long does Florida take to process a Medicaid application?

Federal regulations at 42 CFR § 435.912 require states to process Medicaid applications within 45 days for most applicants. Applications based on disability are allowed up to 90 days. Florida is bound by these federal timelines.

If DCF cannot make a decision from the information it already has, it will send a notice requesting additional documentation. Respond promptly — missing the response deadline can result in denial. Once all required information is submitted, DCF has 45 days from the original application date (not the date documents were submitted) to make a decision.

Presumptive Eligibility is available for pregnant women. Qualified providers can grant temporary Medicaid coverage for prenatal care while the full application is pending. Ask your OB-GYN or prenatal clinic whether they are a Qualified Designated Provider (QDP).

What happens after you're approved?

Once DCF approves your application, AHCA enrolls you in the SMMC program. Most enrollees are assigned to a Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) health plan and will receive a plan selection letter. You typically have a 120-day period to choose or change plans. After that window, plan changes require a state-approved reason or an annual open enrollment period.

To compare plans or change your health plan, visit flmedicaidmanagedcare.com or call the Choice Counseling line at 1-877-711-3662.

Your Medicaid card may be the plan's ID card. Use it at plan-contracted providers. Going out of network without prior authorization typically results in denied claims except for emergencies.

What to expect after you submit

Under 42 CFR § 435.912, most Medicaid applications must be processed within 45 days (90 days when disability determination is required). If approved, coverage typically begins the first day of the month you applied.

1. 1

   Application date recorded

   DCF records your submission date — this is your potential coverage start date. Keep your MyACCESS confirmation number.

2. 2

   Electronic verification

   DCF checks income and identity electronically using SSA, IRS, and Florida state data. If everything matches, you may not need to submit additional documents.

3. 3

   Document request (if needed)

   If verification fails or additional documents are needed, DCF contacts you through your MyACCESS account. Check your account and the email on file regularly.

4. 4

   Eligibility decision

   You receive a written approval or denial. If denied, the notice explains the reason and your right to request a fair hearing within 90 days.

5. 5

   Choose a managed care plan

   You have 120 days to choose an SMMC plan. Compare plans at flmedicaidmanagedcare.com or call the choice counseling line at 1-877-711-3662. Not choosing results in automatic assignment.