Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) Program

Florida residents seeking Medicaid assistance for home and community-based services, or nursing homes must meet both medical and financial eligibility requirements. The Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) Program is responsible for determining medical eligibility (level of care) for home and community-based Medicaid waiver programs and Medicaid nursing home services. Nurse Giving Glass Of Water To Elderly Woman In Wheelchair At Retirement Home. Assisting Senior People

A CARES registered nurse or CARES assessor completes assessments for Medicaid applicants. Assessments are completed at no cost to applicants. The assessment identifies long-term care needs and recommends the least restrictive, most appropriate placement. A CARES physician or registered nurse reviews each application to determine the most appropriate level of care for the applicant. 

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs is responsible for the CARES Program in partnership with the Agency for Health Care Administration. There are 17 CARES field offices statewide. CARES personnel include physicians, registered nurses, assessors, administrative support staff, office supervisors, and regional program supervisors. The CARES management structure also includes headquarters staff responsible for program and policy development. 

Services or Activities

  • Determine medical eligibility for the Medicaid Institutional Care Program (ICP)
  • Determine medical eligibility for Medicaid waivers that provide home and community-based services
  • Conduct medical assessments for residents in nursing facilities entering court-ordered receivership

Administration

The Department of Elder Affairs is responsible for the federal program in partnership with the Agency for Health Care Administration. There are 17 CARES field offices. CARES personnel include physicians, registered nurses, assessors, administrative support staff, office supervisors, and regional program supervisors. The CARES management structure also includes central office staff responsible for program and policy development.

Eligibility

Florida residents seeking Medicaid assistance for nursing facilities or community-based long-term care services must meet both medical and financial eligibility requirements. CARES is responsible for performing a comprehensive assessment of all Medicaid long-term care applicants to determine if individuals meets the State’s medical level of care eligibility requirements. Financial eligibility is determined by the Florida Department of Children and Families or the Social Security Administration.

For more information regarding Long-Term Care eligibility or process, visit: https://ahca.myflorida.com/medicaid/statewide_mc/smmc_ltc.shtml