---
title: "Florida Nursing Home Medicaid | Funding LTC Marketplace"
url: https://fundingltcmarketplace.com/states/florida/nursing-home-medicaid/
description: "How Florida's Institutional Care Program (ICP) works in practice: the CARES level-of-care review, patient responsibility, and application timing."
last_updated: 2026-10-20
author: George A. Mellendorf, CLTC, LTCP (Central States Insurance Services, Inc.)
publisher: Funding LTC Marketplace
note: Educational content; not legal, tax or financial advice. Markdown copy of the HTML page at the URL above.
---
Florida · Nursing Home Coverage

# Florida Nursing Home Medicaid

Last updated 2026-10-20

Florida's Institutional Care Program is the route for someone who's already in — or about to enter — a licensed Florida nursing facility. Two separate reviews run at the same time: DCF handles the financial eligibility side, while the Department of Elder Affairs' CARES program determines whether the applicant actually needs nursing-facility-level medical care. DCF is required to request that CARES level-of-care determination within two days of getting the application, and CARES then has 12 days to respond (DCF ESS Manual Ch. 0600, §0640.0400).

## Florida figures

- DCF request window for CARES review: 2 days
- CARES response window: 12 days

## Sources and official resources

- [Florida DCF: ESS Program Policy Manual](https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/additional-resources-and-services/ess-program-manual/)
- [CMS: 2026 SSI and Spousal Impoverishment Standards](https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/cib04272026.pdf)

Rules and figures change. Confirm current details with the agency before you act.

[← Back to the full Florida guide](https://fundingltcmarketplace.com/states/florida/)