Medicaid:
Medicaid is a state by state program funded by both state and federal government. It is designed to ease the financial pressures of low income patients in need of health and medical related services. Medicaid in Florida covers patients of all ages. It covers children and families, senior citizens, people with disabilities, pregnant women, children in foster care and certain low-income adults. Generally people with disabilities will qualify for Medicaid under SSI. However, Medicaid eligibility may be through poverty and low income. Even if you already have insurance, if a person qualifies for Medicaid, the insurance may shift to Medicaid or you may be given tax credits through Medicaid to apply to your health insurance premium each month. In Florida, Medicaid eligibility is determined by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or Social Security Administration (SSI recipients).
How can a parent/caregiver gain access to Medicaid?
In order to apply for Medicaid, a person must have documented proof of citizenship and residency along with a social security number. Once determined eligible the average time to receive medical assistance is 45 to 90 days. You may apply online, by mail, or by phone with the assistance of a Medicaid representative. Click Here for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) website.
Customer Call Center Florida
866-762-2237
Relay 711 or
TTY 800-955-8771
Local ACCESS offices:
Riviera Beach Service Center
The Port Center
2051 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Suite 200
Riviera Beach FL 33404
FAX: 561-882-3575
Medically Needy FAX: 954-267-2133
Belle Glade Service Center
2990 North Main Street
Belle Glade FL 33430.
FAX: 561-992-1981
Local Community Partners:
Local community partners help the Dept. of Children and Families provide access to public assistance. To find locations in your area where you may apply for Food Stamps, Cash or Medicaid Click Here.
Recommended websites, YouTube videos, books on Medicaid?
FloridaHats.org: 
Transition 2 Go Flier Click Here
To learn more about the different Medicaid programs and eligibility Click Here.
For the Family Related Medicaid Programs Fact Sheet Click Here
The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) administers Medicaid services in Florida. To obtain information regarding Medicaid services and providers in your area, or for questions regarding claims or billing, Click Here to go to your Area Medicaid Office website.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for specific benefits such as Social Security Retirement and Disability payments, Supplement al Security Income (SSI), Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan costs, etc. For information, to apply, or report changes, call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 or Click Here to go to the SSA website.
References:
Florida Dept. of Children and Families
Myflfamilies.com
National Council on Disability. Chapter 2. Medicaid, Managed Care, and People with Disabilities
ncd.gov/publications/2013/20130315/20130315_Ch2Medicaid-help.org