Top Democrat calls for "thorough review" of state move to trim Medicaid eligibility
A top Democrat is calling on federal officials to conduct a "thorough review" of the state's request to shorten the window for Medicaid retroactive eligibility, after demanding its application be corrected to reflect some senators' concerns about what she called an "ill-advised" policy change.
Incoming state Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson wrote a letter Monday to the administrator of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, criticizing the state's decision to save money by shortening how long non-pregnant adults can retroactively qualify for Medicaid coverage. Gibson also criticized the state Agency for Health Care Administration's application for saying it was "not aware of any concern or opposition raised by any member of either party" during budget talks.
State lawmakers approved a budget in the final days of the legislative session which authorized shortening the current 90-day period those patients can retroactively have medical bills covered under Medicaid after they apply. The current policy allows eligible patients under Medicaid to have recent medical expenses covered and ensures facilities are paid for services they provide.
The proposed change, which must be approved by the federal government, would shorten that period to up to 30 days within the month that eligible patients apply for Medicaid coverage. The state agency estimated the change would save about $98 million and could impact about 39,000 people.
Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2018/05/07/top-democrat-calls-for-thorough-review-of-state-move-to-trim-medicaid-eligibility/
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