Florida · APD / iBudget checklist

Florida Medicaid waiver checklist

This organizer helps Florida families track APD iBudget waiver application steps, gather required documents, and log follow-up calls. It is not an eligibility decision and does not replace official forms or agency contact. Confirm every step, form, and timeline with your APD regional office or case manager.

WaiverPath is not a government agency, law firm, Medicaid provider, or benefits advisor. We help you organize information, documents, and follow-up tasks. Always verify requirements with the official agency or a qualified professional.

Your first step: choose the application route

For APD services, apply online or prepare a signed paper form. For other programs, use the agency contacts below.

Apply on APD’s official site ↗Save my Florida checklist

Which Florida track applies to your family?

Confirm with APD, AHCA, or your case manager — WaiverPath does not determine eligibility.

APD iBudget Waiver

Generally for: People with a qualifying developmental disability; APD reviews eligibility.
How to apply: Apply at applynow.apd.myflorida.com, or submit a signed paper application to the local APD office.
Confirmation note: APD eligibility does not guarantee an available waiver slot.

SMMC Long-Term Care (LTC)

Generally for: Adults age 18 or older who meet the program's medical and financial requirements.
How to apply: Start with your Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for screening: 1-800-963-5337.
Confirmation note: DOEA assesses medical eligibility; DCF determines financial eligibility. Screening may lead to waitlist placement.

Model Waiver for children

Generally for: Children age 20 or younger who meet narrow medical criteria, including degenerative spinocerebellar disease or qualifying medical fragility and prior nursing-facility residence.
How to apply: Ask the Children's Multidisciplinary Assessment Team (CMAT) about assessment at 850-245-4200; DCF handles Medicaid eligibility.
Confirmation note: This is a limited waiver. Do not assume a general Florida TEFRA entitlement or no waitlist.

Familial Dysautonomia (FD) Waiver

Generally for: People age 3 or older with documented Familial Dysautonomia and inpatient hospital level-of-care needs.
How to apply: Contact AHCA at 888-419-3456 for application information.
Confirmation note: This is separate from APD's application and is not an Alzheimer's program.

Track	Generally for	How to apply	Confirmation note
APD iBudget Waiver	People with a qualifying developmental disability; APD reviews eligibility.	Apply at applynow.apd.myflorida.com, or submit a signed paper application to the local APD office.	APD eligibility does not guarantee an available waiver slot.
SMMC Long-Term Care (LTC)	Adults age 18 or older who meet the program's medical and financial requirements.	Start with your Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for screening: 1-800-963-5337.	DOEA assesses medical eligibility; DCF determines financial eligibility. Screening may lead to waitlist placement.
Model Waiver for children	Children age 20 or younger who meet narrow medical criteria, including degenerative spinocerebellar disease or qualifying medical fragility and prior nursing-facility residence.	Ask the Children's Multidisciplinary Assessment Team (CMAT) about assessment at 850-245-4200; DCF handles Medicaid eligibility.	This is a limited waiver. Do not assume a general Florida TEFRA entitlement or no waitlist.
Familial Dysautonomia (FD) Waiver	People age 3 or older with documented Familial Dysautonomia and inpatient hospital level-of-care needs.	Contact AHCA at 888-419-3456 for application information.	This is separate from APD's application and is not an Alzheimer's program.

Florida APD application steps

Step 1

Confirm the correct Florida pathway

Start with APD if the applicant has a developmental disability and is seeking APD services or the iBudget HCBS waiver. Confirm current steps with your APD regional office.

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Step 2

Gather proof of diagnosis and Florida domicile

APD says documentation may include school, testing, or medical records, and lists examples of domicile proof such as a Florida ID, voter registration, lease, mortgage, or school/employment records. Confirm current steps with your APD regional office.

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Step 3

Choose online or paper application

Apply online at applynow.apd.myflorida.com, or download the current paper form. WaiverPath can prepare the paper form; you review and submit it. Confirm current steps with your APD regional office.

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Step 4

Submit to the APD office that serves your area

Submit through APD’s online application, or follow the local APD office’s instructions for a signed paper application. Save the confirmation or delivery receipt. Confirm current steps with your APD regional office.

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Step 5

Log follow-up calls and letters

Record dates, names, phone numbers, next actions, and requested documents so the family has one timeline. Confirm current steps with your APD regional office.

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Step 6

Track Medicaid managed care items separately

Use the Florida Medicaid Managed Care portal for member portal access, plan information, complaints, and fair hearing links where relevant. Confirm current steps with your APD regional office.

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Step 7

Confirm APD received your application

Call the APD regional office after the follow-up interval APD gives you. Ask for written acknowledgment of receipt. Log the date, contact name, and the expected next step. Confirm current intake timelines with APD.

Step 8

Monitor and respond to APD correspondence

APD may request additional documents or schedule a clinical assessment. Keep every letter, note the date received, what you sent back, how you sent it, and the expected next step. Confirm timelines after each contact with APD.

What to gather before you apply

Confirm the current document requirements with APD before you mail.

Diagnosis proof

Examples: Psychological or other testing records, medical records, school records. APD's Quick Guide references all three types.
Confirmation note: Confirm the current document list with APD before you mail.

Florida domicile proof

Examples: Florida ID or driver license, voter registration card, lease or mortgage, or school/employment records.
Confirmation note: Confirm current domicile requirements with APD.

Application and submission confirmation

Examples: Complete the online application, or review and sign the current paper application according to APD instructions.
Confirmation note: Keep a dated copy of the signed form and every enclosure before you mail or hand-deliver.

Medicaid / waiver enrollment tracking

Examples: Track your Medicaid enrollment date and case number alongside the APD application. If Medicaid is pending, note the DCF application case number.
Confirmation note: Medicaid enrollment is part of the waiver process — not a separate gate before applying to APD. Confirm the sequence with DCF and your APD regional office.

Legal representative authority

Examples: Court order, power of attorney, health care surrogate designation, or HIPAA authorization if someone other than the applicant is applying.
Confirmation note: Confirm the required legal authority type with APD for your situation.

Document type	Examples	Confirmation note
Diagnosis proof	Psychological or other testing records, medical records, school records. APD's Quick Guide references all three types.	Confirm the current document list with APD before you mail.
Florida domicile proof	Florida ID or driver license, voter registration card, lease or mortgage, or school/employment records.	Confirm current domicile requirements with APD.
Application and submission confirmation	Complete the online application, or review and sign the current paper application according to APD instructions.	Keep a dated copy of the signed form and every enclosure before you mail or hand-deliver.
Medicaid / waiver enrollment tracking	Track your Medicaid enrollment date and case number alongside the APD application. If Medicaid is pending, note the DCF application case number.	Medicaid enrollment is part of the waiver process — not a separate gate before applying to APD. Confirm the sequence with DCF and your APD regional office.
Legal representative authority	Court order, power of attorney, health care surrogate designation, or HIPAA authorization if someone other than the applicant is applying.	Confirm the required legal authority type with APD for your situation.

After you apply — what to log

APD regional office name, address, and phone for your county — confirm by calling before you mail.
Submission date and method; online confirmation, postal tracking, or hand-delivery receipt.
A dated copy of the signed application and every enclosure.
Date you called APD to confirm receipt, who you spoke with, and the outcome.
Any additional document requests from APD: date received, what was requested, date you replied.
Any interest-list or waitlist confirmation APD provides in writing.
If SMMC LTSS applies: MCO name, member services number, and LTSS authorization reference.

Organizer mistakes to avoid

These are paperwork-tracking notes, not legal advice.

Overlooking the online application

APD accepts applications online or on paper. Choose the route that works for you; keep the confirmation or a complete copy of what you send.

Sending a paper application to the wrong office

Confirm your local APD office and its submission instructions before sending a signed paper application.

Mixing up APD and Medicaid eligibility

APD services intake and DCF Medicaid eligibility are separate. Ask each agency what is needed for your case.

Choosing the wrong program

LTC starts with ADRC screening, FD with AHCA, and the Model Waiver with CMAT. The APD form is not an application to those programs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for APD services?

Use APD's online application at applynow.apd.myflorida.com or submit a signed paper application to your local APD office. Keep your confirmation and copies of the documents.

What should I gather first?

APD lists identity verification, Florida domicile verification, and diagnosis documentation. Its Quick Guide explains the supporting records. Ask APD about anything missing before submitting.

Does APD eligibility guarantee iBudget services?

No. Confirm eligibility, pre-enrollment status, and available services with APD. Record the agency's written decision and any requested follow-up.

How is Long-Term Care different?

SMMC Long-Term Care serves eligible adults, starting with ADRC screening. Call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337. DOEA assesses medical eligibility and DCF financial eligibility; plan enrollment follows approval.

What about Katie Beckett in Florida?

Florida's official Model Waiver has narrow eligibility for children age 20 or younger. Ask CMAT at 850-245-4200 about assessment. Do not assume broad TEFRA coverage or a no-waitlist entitlement.

What is the FD Waiver?

Familial Dysautonomia is a separate AHCA waiver for eligible people age 3 or older with that diagnosis and inpatient hospital level-of-care needs. AHCA provides application information at 888-419-3456.

Does WaiverPath submit my application?

No. Save preparation notes and use the optional APD paper-form assistant here. You review and submit your application directly to the relevant agency, online or on paper.

Save this Florida checklist Florida APD form assistant Florida waiver programs Florida Model Waiver and Katie Beckett questions iBudget waiver overview HCBS waiver eligibility

Last reviewed: August 2026.

Official sources

Last reviewed by WaiverPath: September 27, 2026.

Medicaid.gov Home & Community Based ServicesFederal HCBS overview describing home and community-based services for Medicaid beneficiaries.APD online and paper application guidanceChoose online or paper; review identity, residence, and diagnosis documentation.AHCA Model WaiverOfficial criteria and CMAT assessment contact for children.AHCA Long-Term Care screening and eligibilityADRC screening, DOEA medical review, DCF eligibility, and plan enrollment.Florida APD Applying for ServicesFlorida APD application page with documents, submission instructions, and regional-office guidance.Florida APD iBudget FloridaFlorida APD page for iBudget Florida waiver information and related notices.Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed CareFlorida portal for Medicaid managed care programs, member portal access, plans, complaints, and hearings.AHCA Familial Dysautonomia WaiverFlorida AHCA page for the Familial Dysautonomia HCBS waiver. Confirm current eligibility criteria and intake steps with AHCA.