APD vs. AHCA Medicaid Waiver... What's the difference?

Understanding Florida’s Medicaid Programs for Individuals with Disabilities

When Nathan’s daughter, Ava, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, he needed Medicaid services to cover therapy, equipment, and personal care. But he quickly became confused—should he apply through APD or AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration)?

Both agencies administer Medicaid services in Florida, but they serve different populations and offer different types of care. Understanding how these agencies work together can help families access the right services.

Who They Serve: APD vs. AHCA

Agency	Who They Serve	Key Focus
APD (Agency for Persons with Disabilities)	Individuals born and diagnosed (before the age of 18) with developmental disabilities (autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, etc.).	Long-term home and community-based services(waiver programs for personal care, therapy, employment support).
AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration)	Low-income children, adults, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities.	Medical care and health insurance through Medicaid, covering doctor visits, hospital stays, and some therapies.

Bottom Line:

• APD manages long-term care services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

• AHCA oversees Medicaid eligibility and medical care for a broader population, including non-disabled individuals.

Comparing Services: APD iBudget Waiver vs. Standard Medicaid

Service	APD iBudget Waiver	AHCA Medicaid Waiver
Personal Care Assistance	✅ Yes	❌ No
Respite Care for Caregivers	✅ Yes	❌ No
Physical, Speech, Occupational Therapy	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Limited)
Behavioral Therapy	✅ Yes (If Waiver-Eligible)	✅ Yes (Limited)
Nursing & Medical Services	✅ Yes (Limited)	✅ Yes
Hospital Stays & Doctor Visits	❌ No	✅ Yes
Employment & Job Coaching	✅ Yes	❌ No
Home & Community-Based Services	✅ Yes	❌ No

Why Choose APD vs. AHCA?

When APD Medicaid Waiver Is the Right Choice:

• If your loved one has a developmental disability and needs long-term, home-based care beyond basic medical services.

• If you require assistance with daily living (personal care, job training, respite care).

• If you want services that focus on independence and community integration rather than just medical treatment.

When AHCA (Medicaid) Is the Right Choice:

• If your family needs Medicaid to cover doctor visits, hospital care, or prescription drugs.

• If you do not qualify for APD but still need therapy services through Medicaid.

• If your loved one has a disability that is NOT developmental (such as a traumatic brain injury, chronic illness, or physical disability).

How APD and AHCA Work Together

Many individuals receive both APD and AHCA Medicaid services.

For example:

✅ APD covers home-based support like personal care and employment services.

✅ AHCA Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and general healthcare needs.

The key difference: APD’s iBudget Waiver funds disability-specific support services, while AHCA Medicaid focuses on standard healthcare coverage. As providers, we are seeing AHCA absorb more of APD's responsibilities and clients. While the iBudget waiver was intended to specifically support individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, we are seeing more being transitioned onto the long-term care waiver through AHCA. Right, wrong, or indifferent, it's happening. Granted, the iBudget waiver has been notoriously slow at onboarding waitlisted consumers due to budget restraints and lack of funding from the governor, we have successfully navigated new applicants through the process to receive services.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right program depends on your loved one’s specific needs. If they require lifelong disability services, APD’s iBudget Waiver is the best option. If they need basic Medicaid for medical care, AHCA is the agency to contact.

If you’re unsure which program is right for your family, APD support coordinators can help guide you through the process. You don’t have to figure it all out alone—help is available.

➡ Visit APD’s website and AHCA’s website to learn more.