Florida's New Medicaid Managed Care 3.0: What You Need to Know

If you or a loved one relies on Medicaid for healthcare or long-term care services in Florida, you've likely heard about some recent changes. The Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration rolled out the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care 3.0 program—or SMMC 3.0 for short—on February 1st, 2025. While the program is still in its early days, it brings significant improvements designed to help Floridians get better access to comprehensive healthcare and long-term care services.

Let me walk you through what this means for you and your family.

What Is SMMC 3.0?

Think of SMMC 3.0 as an upgraded version of Florida's Medicaid system. The program aims to provide more comprehensive coverage across two main areas: Medicaid Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) for general healthcare needs, and long-term care services for those who need assistance in nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, or at home.

One of the most helpful changes addresses a common challenge many families face. If you have more than one person in your household who needs Medicaid—perhaps a married couple, or even an entire family—you can now all be on the same plan, even if only one family member requires long-term care. This keeps everyone with the same network of doctors and healthcare providers, which means less confusion and better continuity of care.

How Florida's Regions Changed

The state restructured its healthcare regions from 11 down to 9, now labeled simply as Regions A through I. This might sound like fewer options, but here's why it's actually good news: each region now offers between four and eight managed care plans to choose from.

No matter where you live in Florida, you'll have access to healthcare carriers that include Aetna, Community Care Plan, Florida Community Care (FCC), Humana, Molina, Simply Health, Sunshine Health, and United. The reorganization particularly helps folks in rural areas, who now have better access to primary care physicians and medical providers thanks to the combined regions.

Expanded Long-Term Care Benefits

For those who need help with daily living activities or require care in a facility, SMMC 3.0 brings a robust package of new services. These benefits focus on helping people stay in their homes safely for as long as possible—what healthcare professionals call "aging in place."

Here's what's now available:

Home and housing support: An aging in place housing assistance grant helps make your home safer and more accessible. There's also an ALF transition catalog to assist with moves to assisted living facilities.

Caregiver assistance: If family members are caring for you, they can now access caregiver support services, respite care to give them breaks, transportation assistance, and even individualized therapy sessions to help them manage the emotional demands of caregiving.

Health-specific programs: The program includes specialized support for Alzheimer's patients and asthma home care for those with respiratory conditions.

Transition support: Whether you're moving from a nursing home back to your community, to an assisted living facility, or receiving home care, there's additional assistance to make those transitions smoother and safer.

All of these services are locked in through a contract that runs from February 2025 through 2030, so you can count on these benefits being available for at least the next several years.

Better Dental Coverage

Many Floridians will be pleased to hear that dental benefits have expanded significantly under SMMC 3.0. The program added more dentists who accept Medicaid, addressing one of the most common frustrations people have had with the old system.

You'll choose between two statewide dental plans: DentaQuest or Liberty Dental. Both go well beyond basic cleanings. They now cover root canals, endodontic procedures, and even orthodontic services when medically necessary. This is a genuine improvement for anyone who's struggled to find affordable dental care through Medicaid.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you're already receiving Medicaid benefits, or if you're considering applying, these changes should translate into more comprehensive care. The program's goal is to provide better services, particularly for those receiving care at home or in facilities.

Of course, the practical effects of any new program take time to fully materialize. But the framework is designed to support Floridians who need long-term care with a wider range of services and better coordination among providers.

Qualifying for SMMC 3.0

Here's something important to know: even if you think you have too many assets or your income is too high to qualify for Medicaid, there are legal and ethical strategies that can help. Florida has specific rules about asset protection and income planning that allow many people to become eligible for these valuable long-term care services.

Whether you want to stay safely at home with proper support, or you need help covering the costs of assisted living or skilled nursing care, proper planning can make these services accessible to you.

Getting Help

The changes brought by SMMC 3.0 represent a positive step forward for Medicaid recipients across Florida. If you're anywhere in the state and want to learn more about how to qualify for these benefits—or how to protect your assets while still accessing the care you need—professional guidance can make all the difference.

For more detailed information about Medicaid planning in Florida, you can visit elderneedslaw.com or medicaidplanninglawyer.com.

You might also find it helpful to pick up a copy of "Can Medicaid Pay For Some of Your Long-Term Care Expenses?" which provides practical guidance on how Florida's Medicaid system works and how you can access these benefits.

The bottom line is this: SMMC 3.0 brings meaningful improvements to Florida's Medicaid system, particularly for those who need long-term care. With better coordination, more services, and expanded benefits, it's designed to help you or your loved ones get the care you need while maintaining dignity and quality of life.

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