Not by itself. Florida Medicaid for children depends on family income and the child's age, and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) decides when you apply through ACCESS Florida. There is another path: a child who gets SSI, a monthly payment from Social Security for people with disabilities, has Medicaid automatically in Florida.
Is an autism diagnosis enough?
No. A diagnosis does not give a child Medicaid on its own. In Florida, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) decides who qualifies. Parents can apply for their children under 21, and a child qualifies when the family's income is under the limit for the child's age. You can apply online at ACCESS Florida (myaccess.myflfamilies.com), at a DCF Family Resource Center, or by phone at 850-300-4323.
What if my child gets SSI?
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a monthly payment from Social Security. DCF says anyone in Florida who receives SSI is automatically eligible for Medicaid, with no separate application. SSI is not easy to get, though. For a child, Social Security looks for a condition that causes marked and severe limits in daily functioning for at least 12 months. If the child is under 18 and lives with a parent, Social Security may also count part of the parents' income and resources. You apply for SSI with Social Security: 1-800-772-1213.
What about Florida KidCare?
If your child has Medicaid, it covers medically necessary ABA therapy until age 21, according to AHCA. Florida Healthy Kids, the KidCare program for ages 5 through 18, does not cover ABA, according to Florida KidCare. If your child is in MediKids, ask the plan. Our KidCare page, in the related questions below, explains each program.
Is APD approval the same as Medicaid?
No. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) decides who qualifies for its own services and runs the iBudget waiver waitlist. Being approved by APD, or being on that list, does not give your child Medicaid; DCF decides Medicaid, or it comes with SSI. Under 21, ABA comes through Medicaid. AHCA says behavior analysis is available through the iBudget waiver from age 21. Our iBudget page explains the difference.
How Paramount Behavior can help
Paramount Behavior does not decide who qualifies for Medicaid. If your child already has Medicaid, we work with Molina Healthcare, Sunshine Health, Children's Medical Services Health Plan and Community Care Plan in Palm Beach County, in English and Spanish. Call us at (561) 421-0047 to check your plan.
How can I see if my child already has Medicaid?
With a MyACCESS account you can check the status of an application or renewal and print a temporary Medicaid card. You can also call DCF at 850-300-4323.
If my child loses SSI, do they lose Medicaid?
Not right away. DCF says Medicaid continues for two months after the last SSI payment while DCF checks whether your child qualifies another way, and children who lose SSI keep continuous coverage.
What if my child is 21 or older?
AHCA says behavior analysis for people 21 and older is available through the iBudget waiver, not the Medicaid benefit for children under 21.
General information as of October 30, 2026, not legal or benefits advice. Questions about your family's situation, including immigration status, go directly to DCF or KidCare. If your child has a medical emergency, call 911.
Sources
- Medicaid. Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), accessed October 30, 2026.
- SSI-Related Medicaid Program Fact Sheet (updated July 2025). Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), accessed October 30, 2026.
- SSI for Children (Understanding Supplemental Security Income). U.S. Social Security Administration, accessed October 30, 2026.
- Benefits. Florida KidCare (Florida Healthy Kids Corporation), accessed October 30, 2026.
- Behavior Analysis Services Information. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), accessed October 30, 2026.