Florida currently has three waivers that are open to children. All are HCBS 1915(c) Medicaid waivers, and all waive parental income. For an overview of the programs, see this page. Two of these waivers are extremely small programs specifically for Familial Dysautonomia and Degenerative Spinocerebellar Disease. With the exception of these programs, Florida has no programs for children with physical disabilities or medical technology. These children may, however, qualify for the iBudget waiver, which targets people with developmental disabilities. Note that this waiver historically has a very long waiting list.

Florida Advocacy Organizations:

Last updated 9/1/23

Programs in Florida

Also called iBudget Waiver or the Big Waiver

  • Target Population: Children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including autism.
  • Ages: 3+
  • Levels of Care: Intermediate Care Facility
  • Income Waiver: We believe this waiver does not count parental income, but we have been unable to find written confirmation.
  • Waiver Type: 1915(c)
  • Spots: 40,742
  • Expiration Date: 3/31/2024
  • Description from medicaid.gov: Provides life skills development level 3 – adult day training, residential habilitation, respite, support coordination, adult dental services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment and supplies, specialized mental health counseling, speech therapy, transportation, behavior analysis services, behavior assistant services, dietitian services, environmental accessibility adaptations, life skills development level 1 – companion, life skills development level 2 – supported employment, personal emergency response system, personal supports, private duty nursing, residential nursing, special medical home care, supported living coaching for individuals with autism, ID, and DD, ages 3 – no max age.
  • Online State Information: iBudget Waiver or Comprehensive iBudget info.
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: Contact the Agency for Persons with Disabilities by phone toll-free at 1-866-273-2273 or contact your regional office. See this application information page for more details.
  • Waiting List: Florida had 22,621 people with developmental disabilities on its waiting list as of 2021 and has not provided updated information since that point.
  • Target Population: Children and adults who are medically fragile and diagnosed with familial dysautonomia.
  • Ages: 3-64
  • Levels of Care: Hospital
  • Income Waiver: Yes, the waiver is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted.
  • Waiver Type: 1915(c)
  • Spots: 15
  • Expiration Date: 12/31/2024
  • Description from medicaid.gov: Provides respite, support coordination, adult dental services, durable medical equipment, behavioral services, consumable medical supplies, non-residential support services for individuals who are medically fragile, ages 3 – 64 years.
  • Online State Information: Familial Dysautonomia Waiver
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: Contact the Agency for Health Care Administration by phone toll-free at (888) 419-3456, or by mail at: Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop 20, Tallahassee, FL 32308.
  • Waiting List: This program typically does not have a waiting list.
  • Target Population: Children and adults who are medically fragile and technology dependent. This waiver is ONLY for children with degenerative spinocerebellar disease, or children currently in nursing facilities (for at least 60 days) who want to transition home.
  • Ages: 0-20
  • Levels of Care: Nursing Facility, Hospital
  • Income Waiver: Yes, the waiver is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted.
  • Waiver Type: 1915(c)
  • Spots: 20
  • Expiration Date: 6/30/2025
  • Description from medicaid.gov: Provides respite, environmental accessibility adaptations, transition case management for medically fragile individuals, ages 0 – 20.
  • Online State Information: Model Waiver
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: Contact the CMAT program at (850) 245-4200.
  • Waiting List: This program typically does not have a waiting list.

Additional Information

  • Florida recently passed legislation creating a parent caregiver Family Home Health Aide for Medically Fragile Children program. The bill can be seen here. The program will allow parent caregivers to be paid for complex skilled services, including tube feedings and trach care, after completing a training program of a minimum of 85 hours. These services are in lieu of private duty nursing. More information will be available as Florida begins to establish this program.
  • Through a 1915(j) amendment, Florida allows parents of minor children in the iBudget Waiver and categorical Medicaid to be paid for personal care services that are self-directed.