Florida gets federal approval to trim retroactive eligibility for Medicaid
The change, which critics have charged will limit access to healthcare for the poor, elderly and those with disabilities, means those who qualify for the safety-net program now have up to 30 days of retroactive eligibility once they qualify for Medicaid, as opposed to the original 90 days. After approval from the federal
The state
But during a public comment period, the federal agency received hundreds of comments, all critical of the change: that it would financially hurt providers and patients, impede continuous care or limit access to healthcare services for older patients and those with disabilities in particular.
Some also contended that limiting retroactive eligibility to the start of the month a patient applied for benefits could harm those who became eligible late in the month, shrinking the window they had to submit their paperwork.
In the letter giving the state approval,
Medicaid coverage would also date back to the first day of the month an application was filed, even if there was a delay in processing, according to the letter, "which may help mitigate these concerns."
Verma also asserted that the change, requested under an amendment process that is meant to encourage "innovative" healthcare, would enable the state to determine if shortening the retroactive eligibility period could stop people from only intermittently having coverage.
"
The federal agency has approved similar changes in
The federal agency also approved several other Medicaid changes the state had proposed, from providing a new state Medicaid managed dental plan to making changes to the
The agency approved community behavioral health providers as participants in the funding program, which could expand their access to funding for services treating mental health and substance abuse. It also agreed to a reclassification of regional perinatal care centers, which serve women with high-risk pregnancies and newborns with special health needs, allowing them to access more funding.
___
(c)2018 Miami Herald
Visit Miami Herald at www.miamiherald.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Life after fire: WPT’s Inga Witscher ‘overwhelmed’ by community support
Commerce founder Arthur Remillard dies at 87
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News