True or False: A patient must be screened by the cares unit to determine if they meet the level of care for skilled nursing home Medicaid.

The assertion that a patient must be screened by the CARES unit to determine if they meet the level of care for skilled nursing home Medicaid is accurate. The CARES unit (Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services) plays a crucial role in Florida's healthcare system by evaluating individuals to ascertain their eligibility for Medicaid-funded nursing home care.

This screening process is essential as it assesses the patient’s medical and functional needs, ensuring that they meet the criteria necessary for skilled nursing services. The CARES unit collects information on the individual's health status and care requirements, which directly influences whether they qualify for Medicaid assistance in a skilled nursing facility. Therefore, this response is foundational in safeguarding that only those who genuinely need nursing care receive access to long-term services, thus ensuring appropriate resource allocation.

The requirement for this screening illustrates the structured approach the state takes toward long-term care eligibility processes, underscoring the importance of assessments in providing the necessary support and services to individuals as they transition into nursing homes.