Florida's Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care program (SMMC LTC) is the state's main Medicaid pathway for paying for long-term senior care — including services in assisted living and at home.
What SMMC LTC covers
Through managed-care plans, SMMC LTC can cover personal care, attendant care, adult day health, homemaker services, home-delivered meals, case management, and care in assisted living facilities that accept the program. It does not pay for room and board in assisted living, but it covers much of the care portion.
In nursing homes, Florida Medicaid covers the full institutional benefit for those who qualify.
Who qualifies
Eligibility is based on a medical level-of-care determination (done through CARES, the state's Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services) plus financial limits on income and assets. In 2026 the income cap for institutional Medicaid is tied to a multiple of the federal benefit rate, and countable assets are sharply limited — though a home, a car, and certain assets are excluded.
Because the program has a waitlist for community (non-nursing-home) services, applying early matters.
How to apply in Tampa Bay
Apply for financial eligibility through the Florida Department of Children and Families (ACCESS Florida), and request a CARES assessment through your local Area Agency on Aging. Tampa Bay is served by the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging.
A senior-care advisor or elder-law attorney can help structure assets and avoid common application mistakes.
How Tampa Senior Advisor can help
We're a free, local senior-care advisory service for Tampa Bay families. We don't charge you — communities pay us a referral fee only if you choose to move in. If any of this feels overwhelming, tell us what's going on and we'll point you to the right next step, whether or not it involves a paid placement.