Guide
Medicaid for Assisted Living in Lee County, FL
Love ALF accepts Medicaid. This guide explains, in plain language, how Florida Medicaid helps with assisted living and the steps Lee County families take to apply. Program rules come from the state — always confirm details with the agencies linked below.
The program: SMMC Long-Term Care
In Florida, Medicaid help with assisted living comes through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care program, run by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Assisted living is one of the program's listed services, along with personal care, medication administration and others.
AHCA notes the LTC program is not an entitlement like regular Medicaid and does not itself include doctor visits or hospital stays.
Who qualifies
- Age 65 or older and eligible for Medicaid, or age 18+ and Medicaid-eligible due to a disability
- Determined by the Department of Elder Affairs' CARES program to need nursing-home level of care
- Financial eligibility is decided by the Department of Children and Families (DCF)
How to apply in Lee County
Step 1 — Screening: call the Aging and Disability Resource Center. For Lee County that's the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida Elder Helpline, 866-413-5337 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
Step 2 — Wait list and eligibility: your screening score sets your place on the wait list. When enrollment opens, CARES assesses medical need and DCF reviews finances.
Step 3 — Enrollment: if approved, AHCA sends a welcome packet to choose a managed care plan.
Where Love ALF fits
Medicaid is accepted at both of our homes. Our private-pay rate is $3,200 per month for a shared room (up to $3,500 for advanced care). Because Medicaid details depend on the plan and the resident's situation, call us at (239) 544-5928 and we'll walk through your loved one's case with you. Both homes are licensed by Florida AHCA (Love ALF #13519, opened 2020; Love ALF II #13758, opened 2021), each with 12 beds in shared rooms.
Frequently asked questions
Does Love ALF accept Medicaid?
Yes, Medicaid is accepted at both homes.
Which Medicaid program pays for assisted living in Florida?
The Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care program, administered by Florida AHCA.
Who decides if my parent qualifies?
The Department of Elder Affairs' CARES program decides medical eligibility (nursing-home level of care), and DCF decides financial eligibility.
Where do I start in Lee County?
Call the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337 for screening.
Is there a wait list?
Yes. Florida places applicants on a wait list based on screening priority and releases them as enrollment becomes available.
Learn more
- Assisted living cost at Love ALF
- Services included
- Love ALF — 1711/1713 SW 34th St, Cape Coral (License #13519)
- Love ALF II — 2918/2920 SW 7th Pl, Cape Coral (License #13758)
- Assisted Living Near Fort Myers, FL
- Assisted Living Near North Fort Myers, FL
- Assisted Living for Lehigh Acres Families
- Assisted Living vs Nursing Home Cost in Florida
- Dementia-Friendly Assisted Living in Cape Coral, FL
Call (239) 544-5928 to schedule a tour. Se habla español — ask for Cindy Garcia.
Sources
Ready to take the next step?
Call us to schedule a tour or ask about availability. We’re happy to answer questions in English or Spanish.