23 Aug What’s the difference between N.J. and Florida Medicaid?

Q. We’re thinking of moving to Florida. I’m permanently disabled so I need to know the difference between New Jersey Medicaid and Florida Medicaid. What is the difference between the two and how long does it take for me to get on Medicaid down there?
— Moving, maybe

A. Best of luck with your move to Florida.

There are some very important differences in how Medicaid works in both states.

New Jersey Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare) provides health care coverage for adults aged 19 to 64 who live in New Jersey and who are either U.S. Citizens or qualified immigrants, said Claudia Mott, a certified financial planner with Epona Financial Solutions in Basking Ridge.

To qualify, New Jersey residents must have total family income that falls at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a single person the income limit is $1,732 per month, and for a household of two it is $2,351, she said.

“The NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, Disabled program covers those age 65 or older and those determined to be blind or disabled by either the State or Social Security Administration,” she said.

There are both income and asset limitations for this program. An individual can earn no more than the Federal Poverty Level which is $1,255 for 2024 and have no more than $4,000 in assets. For a couple income is capped at $1,704 and assets at $6,000

In general, both of these Medicaid programs cover doctor and dentist visits, lab tests and x-rays, hospitalizations, mental health care, eyeglasses and prescriptions. You can see a complete list here.

“Like New Jersey, Florida has a number of criteria which must be met to qualify for Medicaid as well as an income limitation,” Mott said.

For Florida residents who are citizens, permanent U.S. residents or legal aliens you must be:
· Pregnant, or
· Be responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, or
· Blind, or
· Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or
· be 65 years of age or older
· Household income of below $20,030 for an individual or $27,186 for a household of two

Florida’s Medicaid program is comprised of three parts:
· Managed Medical Assistance provides services such as doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health care and transportation
· Long-Term Care covers nursing facilities, assisted living and at home care
· Dental includes all services such as cleanings, x-rays and fillings

You can find more information about the program here.

The application would take approximately 30 days to process, Mott said.

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This story was originally published in August 2024.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.