Requirements for a single person to qualify for the Institutional Care (Nursing Home) Program in Florida are as follows:

• At least 65 years of age or disabled.

• Citizen of United States or an alien who has been admitted as a permanent resident.

• Resident of Florida. Anyone residing in a nursing home which is certified for Medicaid is considered to be a resident of Florida.

• Medical need for nursing home care as established by the CARES team of the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA).

• Assets of less than $2,000 at least one day of each month of Medicaid eligibility. If the individual's gross income is less than $808 per month, the individual is allowed to have up to $5,000 in assets.

• Monthly GROSS available income not to exceed the State Income Standard  ($2,022 as of January 2010).

• Under no disqualification period during the lookback period because of transfer of assets or gifts in excess of $5,000 prior to November 1, 2007, and for gifts or charitable donations of any amount after November 1, 2007.

Assets that are not counted in the $2,000 asset limit:

• Homestead - if the applicant intends to return home.

• Homestead - if a dependent SSI-disabled child lives there.

• Additional Property if rented or listed for sale at fair market value.

• Property used in trade or business.

• Vehicle - regardless of age or value.

• Additional vehicle(s) - if seven years old or older unless it is a luxury model, an antique or customized.

• Life Insurance - with no cash value.  

• Life Insurance -with cash value - if the total face value of all life insurance policies is less than $2,500.

• Irrevocable burial contracts.

• $2,500 designated for burial expenses - revocable burial contracts, bank accounts designated for burial by notation in the title, or life insurance policies.

• One burial plot per family member.

• Retirement accounts (IRAs) that are making regular automatic periodic distributions.

Assets that are counted in the $2,000 asset limit:

• Checking accounts

• Savings accounts

• Brokerage accounts

• Certificates of deposit

• Stocks and bonds

• U.S. savings bonds

• Real Property

• Limited partnerships

• Life Insurance cash value if the total face value of all policies is greater than $2,500.

• Boats

• Loans

• Annuities

• IRAs not making regular payments

• Any resource or item of value owned jointly by the applicant.

Income included in $2,022 limit:

• Social Security

• Civil Service

• Pension

• Annuity payments

• Retirements accounts

• Interest

• Dividends

• Alimony

• Rental income

• Life insurance proceeds

• Long Term Care Insurance

Income excluded from $2,022 limit:

• Vendor payments

• Aid and Attendance from Veterans Administration

• Life insurance dividends