Concerned about the upcoming changes to Florida Medicaid benefits for in-home care? We are, too. Keep in mind that most federal changes won’t go into effect for about two years. But, state-level changes may affect you sooner.
As you know, Atlantic In-Home Care refers trusted in-home care providers who help seniors and others who need help with everyday tasks. There are many ways to pay for in-home care. We accept payment from Florida Medicaid long-term care plans administered by Florida Community Care, Sunshine Healthcare, Simply Healthcare, and Humana. We take referrals from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and accept VA Aid and Attendance program benefits. We also accept private long-term care insurance and other private forms of payment.
What this means: any changes in laws, regulations, and budgets for these programs affect our clients. We are committed to helping you find the best way to pay for in-home care.
1. How will the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) affect Medicaid?
The new law, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act or OBBBA, was signed into law on July 4. State-level changes are a more immediate concern, as federal cuts won’t go into effect for about two years.
Before we delve into it, let’s talk about how Medicaid works.
2. How does Medicaid work, anyway?
Medicaid is paid for by both the federal and state governments. The federal government matches each state’s contribution to Medicaid according to a very specific formula. At this time, Florida receives about $20 billion in annual funding. For every dollar the state of Florida contributes to Medicaid, the federal government contributes about $1.34.
Florida receives about $20 billion annually. For every $1 the state contributes, the federal government contributes $1.34.
Federal law requires coverage for certain groups of people, like low-income families and people receiving Supplemental Security Income.
As of January 2025, more than 71 million people were enrolled in Medicaid. That’s more than 20% of the U.S. population. There is a waiting list to enroll in Medicaid.
3. Will my Florida Medicaid in-home care be reduced?
Some Florida Medicaid providers are already reducing client hours. If you receive long-term care through a Florida Medicaid provider, we recommend that you contact your specific provider directly to see how your benefits may have changed.
4. Will federal changes to Medicaid benefits affect me?
It depends. The federal changes to Medicaid are less likely to directly affect in-home care right now. Most changes really aren’t set to go into effect for about two years.
Eventually, you may be required to reapply for Medicaid every six months instead of once per year. There is a regulation that sets minimum staffing requirements in long-term care facilities that will be delayed, which may affect your decision to look for in-home health care services for yourself or a loved one.
How Florida reacts to the federal changes will affect your benefits. The state government may decide to make cuts across the board, or to focus on or completely avoid cuts to in-home health care—as everyone in health care understands the benefits to our community of providing in-home health care.
5. How can I tell if my Florida Medicaid benefits are changing?
If you receive benefits from a Florida Medicaid long-term care plan administered by Florida Community Care, Sunshine Healthcare, Simply Healthcare, or Humana, we recommend that you contact them directly.
6. What other changes might affect my benefits?
For Medicare recipients, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have published a proposed cut to the 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System payment rate. If this is approved, it will cut Medicare payments to in-home healthcare providers, too.
Now is a good time to explore your payment options for in-home care. If you or a loved one needs in-home care, call us at (772) 773-6994 or contact us through the Atlantic In-Home Care website. We are here to help! There are many possible ways to pay for in-home health care, from private insurance to Medicaid. Contact us to find out more.
To learn more about the quality of our services, see our dozens of five-star reviews for in-home care.
