Note:  If your application is denied by DCF, the nursing facility will require payment in full for the length of time your loved one has been receiving care.  It is important that you file the application with the precise, requested information, in a timely fashion.  You can plan on at least one month of assembling paperwork, and another 30 days to receive a determination on your application from DCF, who, by law, have 45 days to respond to you.

If DCF does not have your full disclosure within 30 days of the date of application, they can, (and most likely will) close your file.  Then, you must reapply with a “new” date.

The Department of Children & Families in Florida regulates, and processes the Medicaid applications.  Prior to faxing, mailing, Federal Expressing any information to DCF, it is imperative that you have assembled, organized, and COPIED all the information required.  Missing one piece of paper, or document can cost you precious time, and could place you in jeopardy of losing one month’s coverage for your loved one.  Do not trust the mail, Fed Ex, or any other delivery.  Make certain you have hard copies of EVERYTHING! Submit ALL the paperwork with a “paper trail”, or a tracking system requiring signatures from people on the other end.

If you reside in North Central Florida, you may wish to call the DCF Tampa office at (813)558-5900 for further questions regarding your application.  You can also file your application ON LINE, at www.dcf.state.fl.us and click on “Apply on line”…with a follow up by Fed Ex, or Fax of the requested back up documents.  Again:  Refer to above paragraph of COPIES, TRACKING!!!

Be prepared to wait for a response from DCF re: your eligibility. It can take up to 2-3 weeks before you will have a determination. Documents required are:

• Driver’s License or other ID
• Birth Certificate or naturalization papers
• Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Directive, Living Will, Do not resuscitate order
• Guardianship documents if applicable
• Revocable Living Trust, Last Will & Testament,  Other estate planning documents
• Social Security Card ,  Medicare Card,  Supplemental Health Insurance Card
• Vehicle Title & Registration
• IRA’s (copy of contract and most recent statement)
• Cemetery lots (deed)
• Prepaid burial contract, burial acct., or cremation
• Mortgages owned (paid to you) with copy of amortization
• Deeds for all properties & copy of most recent tax bill
• Bank Statements for past 3 mos. on all accts. (front and back of pages)
• Annuities (copy of contract and most recent statement)
• Brokerage acct. statements for past 3 mos. on all accts. (front and back of pages)
• Life Ins. Policies (copy of policy and most recent statements)
• Stocks and bonds (copy of front and back of certificates and statements)
• If employed, pay stubs for past 8 weeks
• Social Security letter received in December for current year
• Pension Statements (if monthly: 3 mos. worth of statements.  If annually, most recent year
• Civil Service, VA, and Disability Statements.

Note:  Should you wish to engage The Angel Solution to file your application, this service is included in our total Medicaid Eligibility planning Package.