Paying for assisted living is one of the biggest questions families face. Colonial Gardens Residences in Lauderhill accepts private pay and Medicaid long-term care through participating plans. This page explains how Florida's program works so you know what to expect before you call.
Participating Plans
- Florida Community Care (Medicaid long-term care plan)
- Simply Healthcare (Medicaid long-term care plan)
- PACE. PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a separate, all-inclusive program, not an SMMC LTC plan. Ask your PACE team whether Colonial Gardens can be part of your care plan.
Contracts with more plans are coming soon. Call (954) 484-1960 to ask about yours.
Good to know: Colonial Gardens is not a government agency and does not decide Medicaid eligibility. Eligibility, waitlist timing and covered services are set by the State of Florida and your plan. Bed availability varies.
How Florida's Medicaid Long-Term Care Program Works
In Florida, Medicaid helps pay for assisted living through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) program, run by the Agency for Health Care Administration. Services are delivered through private long-term care plans that contract with the State. Those plans, not the resident, pay participating facilities like ours for covered assisted living services.
Who may qualify
- Age 65 or older, or age 18 or older with a disability
- Needs a nursing facility level of care, as determined by the State
- Meets Medicaid's income and asset rules
What Medicaid covers, and what it doesn't
The program can cover assisted living services such as help with daily activities and with taking medications. It generally does not cover room and board. Residents usually pay that portion from their own income, such as Social Security. Ask us how this works at Colonial Gardens.
Steps to Apply in Broward County
- Get screened. Call the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Broward County at (954) 745-9779. They complete the screening and explain the waitlist.
- Apply for Medicaid. Financial eligibility is decided by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
- Wait for release from the waitlist. The State releases applicants based on priority and funding. Timing varies.
- Enroll in a long-term care plan. Once eligible, you choose a plan. Your plan's case manager arranges services.
- Choose a participating facility. Ask your case manager for Colonial Gardens Residences, and call us so we can do a pre-admission assessment.
Program rules change. Please confirm current details with the ADRC, DCF or AHCA. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Life at Colonial Gardens
- 24/7 care and supervision
- Trained staff help residents take their medications, and we coordinate with residents' own doctors and pharmacies
- Three meals a day plus snacks
- Staff who speak English and Spanish
- Remodeled rooms and no buy-in fees
- Daily activities, housekeeping and laundry
- Memory care and short-term respite stays
- Hospital discharges accepted when needs fit, always after a pre-admission assessment
Private Pay Rates
Assisted living from $3,500 per month. Memory care from $5,000 per month. Ask about private rooms. See our cost guide or our services for what's included.
Serving Families Across Broward
Our Lauderhill community at 2801 NW 55th Ave is close to Lauderdale Lakes, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Sunrise and Tamarac, Coral Springs, Davie and Hollywood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Florida?
Florida Medicaid can help pay for assisted living services through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) program for people who qualify. The program generally does not pay for room and board, which residents usually cover from their own income.
Who qualifies for Florida Medicaid long-term care?
In general, applicants must be 65 or older, or 18 or older with a disability, need a nursing facility level of care, and meet Medicaid's financial rules. The State of Florida makes the final decision; Colonial Gardens cannot guarantee eligibility.
How do I apply for Medicaid assisted living in Broward County?
Start by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Broward County at (954) 745-9779 for a screening. Financial eligibility is decided by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Once approved and enrolled, you choose a long-term care plan, and the plan authorizes assisted living services.
Is there a waitlist for Medicaid long-term care in Florida?
Often, yes. After screening, many applicants are placed on a statewide waitlist and released based on priority and available funding. Timing varies and is set by the State, not by any facility.
Does Colonial Gardens accept Medicaid?
Yes. We accept Medicaid long-term care through participating plans. We currently work with Florida Community Care and Simply Healthcare, and with PACE, which is a separate all-inclusive program. Contracts with more plans are coming soon; call (954) 484-1960 to ask about yours and whether a bed is available.
What happens if a private-pay resident's savings run out?
If a private-pay resident's savings run out and they qualify for Medicaid long-term care through a participating plan, they can stay at Colonial Gardens. Many families pay privately while a Medicaid application or waitlist is pending.
Ready to talk? Call or text (954) 484-1960 or schedule a tour. Please don't include Medicaid ID numbers or medical details in web forms; we'll go over them by phone or in person.