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| Florida Medicaid Expansion |
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Summary:
Current Status of Medicaid Expansion in State:
State is studying options, leaning away from expansion under the ACA.
Decision Process:
Governor Rick Scott and the state legislature are still studying options before deciding what is best for Florida but no decision was reach by the end of the legislative session in Spring, 2013. If Florida does not reach a decision before the law goes into effect next year in January, 2014, the state will miss out on federal funding.
Background:
· Currently:
18% of all Floridians receive Medicaid benefits, 65% of whom have managed care. 65% of beneficiaries have managed care. Coverage is up to 200% of FPL depending on the specific program. The Florida Department of Children and Families runs the state’s Medicaid program.
· Expansion:
Expansion of Medicaid to 133% FPL would be a 35% increase over current enrollment.
· Process:
In the past the Governor’s office has stated that Florida will not expand entitlement programs like Medicaid because the state cannot afford to do so, but more recently Governor Scott has been open to discussion.
State Activity:
- Attempts to pass an amended version of the Medicaid Expansion has failed to pass in the state house. Though a bipartisan solution had recently seemed promising, the current stalemate has no end in sight.
- Governor Scott has been very firm in his opposition to the ACA in statements, but more recently the state has show willingness to compromise as the Republican House Speaker admitted the state would look at funding expansion alternatives.
- Post-election the Governor has said that it is time to find middle ground and is willing to negotiate with the federal government to help Florida families. Governor Scott has sought a meeting with Secretary Sebelius on the exchange.
- Florida was one of the states that sued for repeal of the ACA.
- Early in January Governor Scott met with Secretary Sebelius which did not result in a decision, but very recently, Flroida has decided to expand Medicaid on the condition that the entire state can move to an HMO system. This type of negotiation was unprecedented.
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