Understanding Income Limits for Florida Long-Term Care Medicaid
Income eligibility is an important part of qualifying for Florida Long-Term Care Medicaid. Understanding what Medicaid considers income, the current income limit, and the options that may be available when income exceeds the limit can help families better prepare for the application process.
Our Florida Medicaid Specialists will review your income and help you understand how Florida Medicaid's financial eligibility requirements may apply to your individual circumstances.
Income Limits for Long-Term Care Medicaid
2026 Florida Long-Term Care Medicaid Income Limit
For 2026, the gross monthly income limit for an individual applying for Florida Long-Term Care Medicaid is:
$2,982 Per Month
The income limit is based on 300% of the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit rate and is subject to change each year.
Income considered when determining Medicaid eligibility may include Social Security benefits, pensions, wages, retirement income, IRA distributions, annuity payments, interest, dividends, rental income, and other sources of income, depending on the individual's circumstances.
What If Your Income Is Over the Medicaid Limit?
Being over the Medicaid income limit does not necessarily mean you cannot qualify for Florida Long-Term Care Medicaid.
For certain applicants whose income exceeds the Medicaid limit, a Qualified Income Trust (QIT), sometimes called a Miller Trust, may be used to meet Medicaid's income eligibility requirements.
Because a Qualified Income Trust is a legal document with specific requirements, Medicaid & More does not provide legal advice or prepare the trust. When a QIT or another Medicaid planning strategy may be needed, we can coordinate a complimentary consultation with a trusted elder law attorney to discuss the appropriate legal options for your individual circumstances.
While you follow the legal advice of the elder law attorney, our Florida Medicaid Specialists continue working with you to prepare, submit, process, and track your Medicaid application through the approval process.
Income and Nursing Home Medicaid
When an individual receives Medicaid benefits for long-term nursing facility care, Medicaid determines a monthly amount the resident may be required to contribute toward the cost of care. This is commonly referred to as patient responsibility.
For 2026, Florida's nursing home Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) is $160 per month. The Medicaid recipient is generally permitted to keep this amount for personal expenses, while the remainder of their available income is applied toward the cost of nursing home care. Other allowable deductions may apply depending on the individual's circumstances.
Example
If a single Medicaid recipient living in a nursing home receives $2,160 in gross monthly income, a simplified patient responsibility calculation would look like this:
Monthly Income: $2,160
Personal Needs Allowance: − $160
Amount Paid Toward Nursing Home Care: $2,000
The Medicaid recipient keeps $160 each month for personal needs and generally pays $2,000 toward the cost of nursing home care. Medicaid pays the remaining covered cost of nursing facility care according to Medicaid program rules.
This is a simplified example. Actual patient responsibility may vary when other allowable deductions or individual circumstances apply.
Learn More About Florida Long-Term Care Medicaid Eligibility
What If You Are Married?
When one spouse applies for Florida Long-Term Care Medicaid and the other spouse continues to live in the community, special protections are available for the community spouse.
The community spouse's income is generally not counted when determining whether the Medicaid applicant meets the individual income limit.
Depending on the couple's financial circumstances, the community spouse may also be permitted to receive a portion of the Medicaid recipient's income through a spousal income allowance.
These protections are designed to help prevent the spouse remaining in the community from becoming financially impoverished while their spouse receives long-term care.
Understanding Spousal Diversion
A community spouse who meets the applicable requirements may be entitled to retain a portion of the Medicaid recipient's income through what is commonly referred to as spousal diversion or a Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance.
The amount is not the same for every couple. Florida uses a formula that considers the community spouse's income and, when applicable, certain household and shelter expenses and other allowable factors.
Our Florida Medicaid Specialists can help families understand the information and documentation needed for Medicaid to determine whether a spousal diversion may apply.
You Don't Have to Navigate Medicaid Alone
Understanding Medicaid income limits, Qualified Income Trusts, patient responsibility, and spousal protections can feel overwhelming. Our Florida Medicaid Specialists help families understand what comes next, organize the necessary financial documentation, and navigate the Medicaid application process with clarity and confidence.
From your initial consultation through Medicaid approval, our goal is to provide the organization, advocacy, guidance, and compassionate support your family needs along the way.
Our goal is to help seniors access the care and benefits they need to live their best lives.
Testimonials
What Families Are Saying
Real families. Real experiences. Real peace of mind.
Take the First Step
Navigating Medicaid Applications in the Right Direction!
More than Medicaid application specialists, we combine concierge Medicaid services with a geriatric care management approach to provide personalized guidance, trusted resources, and compassionate support.
As your guiding light through the Medicaid process, we’re here to help your family access the care, benefits, and resources needed to live life to the fullest. When legal guidance is needed, we’ll connect you with trusted elder law attorneys to help you explore the strategies and solutions that best fit your family’s needs.
Proud Member of the
Quick Links
Benefits
Connect With Us
© 2026 All Rights Reserved By Medicaidandmore.