
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. The CARES management structure also includes central office staff responsible for program and policy development.įlorida residents seeking Medicaid assistance for nursing facilities or community-based long-term care services must meet both medical and financial eligibility requirements. CARES personnel include physicians, registered nurses, assessors, administrative support staff, office supervisors, and regional program supervisors. The Department of Elder Affairs is responsible for the federal program in partnership with the Agency for Health Care Administration. Conduct medical assessments for residents in nursing facilities entering court-ordered receivership.Determine medical eligibility for Medicaid waivers that provide home and community-based services.Determine medical eligibility for the Medicaid Institutional Care Program (ICP).

By identifying long-term care needs and establishing appropriate level of care, the CARES Program makes it possible for individuals to remain safely in their homes using home and community-based services or in alternative community settings such as assisted living facilities. The assessment identifies long-term care needs and recommends the least restrictive, most appropriate placement. A physician or registered nurse reviews each application to determine the most appropriate level of care for the applicant. Assessments are completed at no cost to the clients.Ī registered nurse and/or assessor performs client assessments. Any person or family member can initiate a CARES assessment by applying for the Medicaid Institutional Care Program (ICP).

Federal law mandates that the CARES Program perform an assessment or review of each individual who requests Medicaid reimbursement for nursing facility placement, or who seeks to receive home and community-based services through Medicaid waivers like Familial Dysautonomia Waiver, and Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program.

Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) is Florida’s federally mandated pre-admission screening program for nursing home applicants.
