What Should You Do After a Medicaid Denial?

You sit at the kitchen table, staring at the Medicaid denial letter in your hands. Your spouse, head in hands, looks just as overwhelmed as you feel. After weeks—maybe months—of gathering documents and hoping for approval, this letter feels like a punch to the gut. How are you supposed to afford the care you need now?

While a Medicaid denial in Boca Raton can feel like a devastating roadblock, it doesn’t have to be the end of the line. There are ways to fight back, whether the issue is missing paperwork, income limits, or eligibility criteria. You can challenge the decision, correct mistakes and take steps to get the benefits you need.

This blog will explain what to do if you’ve been denied Medicaid, offering practical steps to help you move forward with clarity and CONFIDENCE.

Review the Denial Notice Carefully

The first step is to read the denial letter thoroughly. Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) must provide a written explanation detailing why your Medicaid application was denied. Common reasons include:

Income or assets exceeding the eligibility limits
Missing or incomplete documentation
Failure to meet residency or citizenship requirements
Issues related to medical necessity for long-term care programs

Understanding the specific reason for your denial will help you decide whether to appeal, correct mistakes or reapply.

For a free legal consultation, call 561-955-8515

Common Reasons for Medicaid Denial in Florida

Medicaid eligibility rules in Florida are strict; even small mistakes can lead to denial. Here are some of the most frequent reasons:

Income and Asset Limits

Florida’s Medicaid program has strict income and asset limits. For 2025, an individual applying for long-term care Medicaid must have an income below $2,901 per month and countable assets must be under $2,000. If your income or assets exceed these thresholds, you may need to explore legal strategies to restructure your finances to qualify.

For example, if you receive a pension that pushes your income over the limit, you might set up a Qualified Income Trust to redirect excess income. Similarly, liquidating non-exempt assets to pay off debts or purchasing exempt assets, such as a primary residence or vehicle, can bring you within eligibility limits.

Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

Simple paperwork errors are a common reason for denial. Missing bank statements, incomplete medical records or incorrect application forms can trigger a rejection. Double-check all documentation before resubmitting.

For instance, your application may be denied if you fail to submit proof of residency, like a utility bill or lease agreement. Ensuring that all forms are filled out accurately and supporting documents are up-to-date can prevent unnecessary delays.

Medical Necessity Not Established

Applicants must demonstrate a medical need for long-term care Medicaid for nursing home-level care. Your application may be denied if it does not include sufficient medical documentation.

Comprehensive medical records from your physician, including detailed assessments and care plans, can strengthen your case. You may also consider obtaining a second medical opinion if your initial documentation was deemed insufficient.

Residency or Citizenship Issues

Medicaid in Florida requires proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency and Florida residency. If your documentation doesn’t clearly establish this, your application may be denied.

Common issues include submitting expired identification or incomplete paperwork. Make sure your documents are current and demonstrate your eligibility.

Medicaid Planning Strategies for Income or Asset Issues

If your Medicaid denial is due to excess income or assets, consider legal strategies to adjust your financial situation while preserving your resources.

Income Trusts (Miller Trusts)

In Florida, if your income exceeds Medicaid’s limit, you can set up a Qualified Income Trust (also known as a Miller Trust). This trust allows you to deposit income over the limit into the trust, making you eligible for Medicaid.

Setting up a Miller Trust requires precise documentation and ongoing management. You’ll need to open a separate bank account for the trust and designate a trustee to manage the funds. It’s crucial to deposit any excess income promptly each month to maintain eligibility.

Spousal Protections

Florida follows federal spousal impoverishment rules, allowing the non-applicant spouse to retain a certain amount of income and assets. This can protect your spouse’s financial well-being while qualifying you for Medicaid.

For 2025, the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) allows the non-applicant spouse to keep up to $157,920 in assets. Additionally, the Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMNA) ensures the non-applicant spouse can retain a minimum monthly income, typically around $2,555.

Asset Spend-Down Strategies

Legally spending down assets on non-countable items—such as home improvements, medical expenses, or purchasing a prepaid funeral plan—can help bring your assets within Medicaid limits.

For example, upgrading your primary residence, purchasing a new car or paying off debts are acceptable ways to reduce countable assets without jeopardizing eligibility.

Establishing Irrevocable Trusts

Placing assets into an Irrevocable Trust can help reduce your countable assets. However, this strategy must be used carefully due to Medicaid’s five-year look-back period, which examines asset transfers.

Transferring assets into an irrevocable trust more than five years before applying for Medicaid can protect those assets from being counted. However, any transfers made within the five-year period may trigger penalties, delaying your eligibility.

Click to contact our estate planning lawyers today

How Medicaid’s Look-Back Period Affects Your Application

Medicaid enforces a five-year look-back period for Medicaid applications, meaning any asset transfers made within five years of applying will be scrutinized.

What Is the Look-Back Period?

The look-back period intends to prevent applicants from giving away assets to qualify for Medicaid. If you transferred assets for less than the fair market value during this time, you could face a penalty period, delaying your eligibility.

Common Look-Back Period Issues

Gifting Assets to Family: Even small gifts to children or other relatives can trigger penalties.
Transferring Property Below Market Value: Selling a home or other assets for less than their market value can result in disqualification.
Undocumented Transfers: Failing to provide documentation for asset transfers may raise red flags during the review process.

How to Address Look-Back Period Issues

If you’ve made transfers that could impact your eligibility, consult a Florida Medicaid attorney. They can help you strategize to mitigate penalties, such as proving that you made transfers for reasons unrelated to Medicaid eligibility.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Correcting Mistakes and Reapplying

If your denial was due to missing information or simple errors, correcting these issues and reapplying may be the fastest way to obtain Medicaid coverage.

Steps to Reapply:

Identify the Issue: Use the denial letter to pinpoint what happened.
Fix the Problem: Gather missing documents, correct inaccuracies, and complete all forms.
Submit a New Application: Reapply through the ACCESS Florida portal or at a local DCF office.

If your financial situation changed since the initial application—such as a reduction in income or assets—be sure to reflect those changes accurately in your new application.

Tips for a Successful Reapplication

Stay Organized: Keep copies of all submitted documents and correspondence.
Double-check Details: Review every section of your application for completeness.
Consult Professionals: Consider seeking advice from a Florida Medicaid attorney to avoid repeated mistakes.

If you’ve reviewed your application and everything appears correct but you still received a denial, it may be time to appeal the decision and present your case for reconsideration.

How to Appeal a Medicaid Denial in Florida

If your Medicaid Long-Term Care application was denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Florida law allows you 90 days from the date on your denial notice to request a Fair Hearing through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

Steps to File an Appeal

Request a Fair Hearing: Submit a written request to the Office of Fair Hearings. You can mail your request, submit it in person or use the DCF online portal to initiate the process.
Gather Supporting Documents: Collect any additional or corrected documentation that addresses the reasons for your denial, such as updated financial statements, medical reports or proof of residency.
Prepare for the Hearing: The hearing is your opportunity to present evidence and explain why you believe the denial was incorrect. You may call witnesses or present documents that support your eligibility. While you can represent yourself, some applicants find it helpful to work with a Medicaid attorney familiar with Medicaid appeals.
Attend the Hearing: Hearings may be conducted in person, over the phone or through video conferencing. During the hearing, you’ll have the chance to present your case and respond to questions from the hearing officer.
Await the Decision: After the hearing, you will receive a written decision in the mail. If the outcome remains unfavorable, you may have the option to seek judicial review through the court system.

What to Do If You’re Denied After an Appeal

Sometimes, even after an appeal, Medicaid benefits may still be denied. If this happens, you have several options:

Reapply with New Information

If your circumstances have changed—for example, if your income has decreased or your health condition has worsened—you may submit a new application with updated information.

Judicial Review

You can request a judicial review of your case in Florida’s administrative court system. This process involves a judge reviewing the appeal decision to determine if it was made in accordance with the law.

Explore Alternative Benefits

If Medicaid continues to deny your application, consider alternative programs, such as Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program or local county health services that offer support to low-income residents.

Medicaid Waiver Programs in Florida

Florida offers Medicaid waiver programs, which are part of the state’s broader Medicaid system. These programs provide more flexible care options, allowing certain individuals to receive services at home or in the community instead of in institutional settings.

How Waivers Differ from Standard Medicaid

While traditional Medicaid covers institutional care, waiver programs are designed to help individuals remain in their homes. Eligibility may vary and financial limits can differ from standard Medicaid.

When to Consider Legal Guidance

While some applicants can handle a Medicaid denial on their own, complex cases involving asset protection, income trusts or spousal impoverishment protections often require professional guidance. Medicaid laws are complicated and making mistakes can result in further delays or additional denials.

Consulting with a Medicaid attorney in Boca Raton can help you develop a tailored strategy that fits your unique situation. They can guide you through appeals, reapplications and financial planning to maximize your chances of approval.

Choosing the Right Medicaid Attorney

Not all attorneys are the same. Selecting the right Florida Medicaid attorney can make a significant difference in how you address and overcome a Medicaid denial. Here are some factors to consider:

Qualifications to Look For:

Experience in Medicaid Law: Choose an attorney with a proven track record in Medicaid Planning and appeals.
Understanding of Florida-Specific Rules: Ensure the attorney is well-versed in Florida’s unique Medicaid regulations.
Transparent Fees: Look for clear, upfront pricing without hidden costs.
Client Reviews and Testimonials: Research feedback from previous clients to gauge the attorney’s reliability and effectiveness.

Questions to Ask During a Consultation:

How many Medicaid cases have you handled in Florida?
What strategies do you recommend for my specific situation?
Can you assist with both the application and appeal process?
What are your fees and what services do they cover?

Being denied Medicaid in Boca Raton isn’t the end of your journey. Whether the denial stems from income limits, paperwork errors, or medical necessity issues, there are clear steps you can take to address the problem. From filing an appeal to reapplying with corrected documentation or using legal strategies to adjust your finances, you have options to pursue the benefits you need.

Don’t Let a Medicaid Denial Define Your Future

Receiving a Medicaid denial letter can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. But you don’t have to face this challenge alone. At The Siegel Law Group, P.A., we understand the stress and frustration that comes with trying to secure the care you or your loved one needs. Our compassionate Boca Raton Medicaid Planning attorneys are here to help you navigate the appeals process and find solutions tailored to your unique situation.

With 100 years of combined experience, we’ll work closely with you to correct application errors, protect your assets and fight for the benefits you may be eligible to receive. Whether you’re appealing a denial or exploring other long-term care options, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Your search for a “Medicaid Planning lawyer near me” led you here—and that’s the first step toward securing the help you need. Call The Siegel Law Group, P.A. at or fill out our confidential online form to schedule your complimentary consultation.

While you wait for your consultation, we invite you to download our FREE E-book, “7 Steps to Make Sure Your Estate Plan is in Order.”

Here for you and by your side 24/7 to PROTECT WHAT MATTERS!

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

The Siegel Law Group, P.A.
2500 N Military Trail Suite 470
Boca Raton, FL 33431

siegellawgroup.com

Call or text 561-955-8515 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form