AboutMichael Higgins Expertise All questions pertaining to health insurance, whether group, individual/family, student, child-only, COBRA, HIPAA, Portability, dental. No expert knowledge in areas such as life insurance, disability, workman's compensation, auto, etc.
Experience 27 years as owner of health insurance agency, primarily dealing with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
Education/Credentials College, Business Administration.
I live in Orlando, FL and am the victim of domestic abuse. I have recovered and am now divorced, living at home and unemployed. I am confused as to whether I qualify for medicaid as I cannot afford health insurance. Do I have to have kids to qualify? Since I do not, I was worried about how to apply. The online forms are geared toward people with kids or pregnant women. Do you know of an online way to apply or would it be better to call someone in my area? I'm just having trouble locating anyone near Sanford, FL that can speak to me about where to go. Thank you so much. Lisa
ANSWER: Hello Lisa:
Here is a link that will be very helpful, http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/medicaid.shtml. Please note the very informative information toward the bottom of the page especially. It mentions other programs you may qualify for. I suggest looking into SSI as well if you haven't done so already. Another place that may be able to point you in the right direction will be the agency that helped you get through your terrible ordeal. The good news is that we are never alone when such immense challenges arise, and the agency will have helped others with the same situation.
Please let me know if you further information and I will be happy to find it for you.
Mike Higgins
www.higginscompanies.com
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QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response. The link you provided was broken. Perhaps it was a typo? Also, would it be possible to qualify for SSI and Food Stamps if I am living with my parents who earn a retirement income? They don't support me financially but all the online forms mention how much our household makes. I am just "crashing' here so to speak. I appreciate it. Lisa
Answer Hi Lisa:
On www.Bing.com search, "Florida medicaid." The link I tried to send you yesterday should be the first one listed. Here it is again, www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/medicaid.shtml.
I don't see why you would not qualify for assistance due to your lack of a residence at this time. Once it is made clear that you are relying on friends and family for shelter on a day to day basis, I would think that financial help should be given to you. I am not an expert regarding Medicaid or SSI though. It would seem though that if anyone should qualify it would be you, considering the challenges and trouble you have faced.
Hope this helps, and let me know if you further assistance.
