How to access care and maintain your Medicaid Florida coverage in 2026

Below is a practical, step-by-step playbook Florida Medicaid patients can follow to keep coverage active and actually get care. This is based on how the system really works, not how it’s supposed to work.

PART 1: MAINTAINING FLORIDA MEDICAID COVERAGE (NON-NEGOTIABLE)

Step 1: Create and actively use a MyACCESS account

• Go to myaccess.myflfamilies.com

• Create an account even if you applied by paper or phone

• Check it at least once per week

• Upload documents directly there (mailing is risky)

Reality: Most coverage losses happen because notices are missed or documents aren’t logged.

Step 2: Update contact information immediately

• Confirm:

  • Mailing address

  • Email

  • Phone number

• Do this inside MyACCESS

Reality: If Florida sends a notice and you don’t respond—even if you never saw it—coverage can be terminated.

Step 3: Respond to renewal (redetermination) requests early

• Renewals usually happen every 12 months

• Submit documents as soon as the request appears

• Upload:

  • Proof of income (last 30 days)

  • Proof of Florida residency

  • Household changes

Rule: Never wait until the deadline. Systems back up and files get stuck.

Redetermination Information.pdf

Download PDF • 144KB

Step 4: Track document status

• After upload, confirm documents show as “Received”

• If still pending after 7–10 days:

  • Call DCF

  • Reference the upload date and document type

Tip: Screenshot uploads and confirmation pages.

Step 5: Call DCF strategically

• Call early morning (right at opening)

• Expect long waits—stay on the line

• Ask for:

  • Case status

  • Missing items

  • Confirmation notes added to your file

Hard truth: Many terminations are procedural, not eligibility-based.

PART 2: CHOOSING & USING THE RIGHT MEDICAID PLAN

Step 6: Confirm your Managed Care Plan

Florida Medicaid uses managed care plans, such as:

• Humana Healthy Horizons

• UHC Community Plan

• Sunshine Health

• Simply Healthcare

Log into your plan’s portal or call Member Services.

Step 7: Choose or change your Primary Care Provider (PCP)

• Every plan requires a PCP

• Call the plan directly to:

  • Confirm PCP accepts new Medicaid patients

  • Change PCP if needed

Mistake to avoid: Assuming the listed doctor is actually accepting patients.

Step 8: Ask the plan for a care coordinator

• Especially important for:

  • Seniors

  • Disabled patients

  • Chronic conditions

• Request:

  • Appointment scheduling help

  • Specialist referrals

  • Transportation

Underused benefit: Care coordination exists but is rarely offered unless requested.

PART 3: ACTUALLY ACCESSING CARE

Step 9: Verify provider acceptance before every appointment

Before scheduling, ask:

• “Do you accept my Medicaid plan, not just Medicaid?”

• “Are you accepting new patients?”

Why: Providers drop plans quietly.

Step 10: Get referrals the right way

• Most specialists require PCP referrals

• Ask PCP staff to:

  • Submit referral

  • Confirm plan authorization

• Follow up with the plan if delays exceed 7–14 days

Step 11: Use Medicaid transportation if needed

• Call your plan’s transportation vendor

• Schedule rides 48–72 hours in advance

• Document trip numbers

Step 12: Use plan directories—but verify

Online directories are often outdated. Always confirm directly with the provider’s office.

PART 4: WHEN PROBLEMS HAPPEN (THEY WILL)

Step 13: Appeal coverage terminations immediately

• You usually have 10–90 days (depends on notice)

• File an appeal even if you think it’s an error

• Ask for aid-pending appeal if applicable

Step 14: Escalate when stuck

If DCF or the plan fails to act:

• Ask for a supervisor

• File a grievance with your Medicaid plan

• Contact the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Step 15: Use community help when overwhelmed

• Medicaid navigators

• Legal aid

• Nonprofit health advocates

These groups fix paperwork problems faster than individuals.

BOTTOM LINE

Florida Medicaid patients don’t lose care because they’re ineligible—they lose it because the system is bureaucratic, fragmented, and unforgiving. Success requires constant monitoring, documentation, and follow-up.

Disclaimer

This information was provided by the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA). The "Ask Medicaid Florida" website is intended for informational purposes only. "Ask Medicaid Florida" is not associated with any state agency including Medicaid Florida. Find all AHCA archived alerts here. Please feel free to read our full disclaimer here. If you have received this message in error, please immediately notify us at info@askmedicaidflorida.com and delete the original message. We regret any inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation.