Florida is seeking a two-year extension of its 1115 MMA (Managed Medical Assistance) Waiver, through June 30, 2024, which includes a waiver of retroactive coverage for all non-pregnant adults. The federal comment period is now open until September 11, 2020.
During the 2018 session, Florida lawmakers voted to cut the Retroactive Medicaid Eligibility (RME) period for non-pregnant adults over 21. Seniors, people with disabilities, and parents taking care of minor children are now only eligible for up to 30 days of retroactive coverage once they qualify for Medicaid. This is less than the 90 days still reserved for pregnant women and children.
The federal government approved the change to Medicaid until the end of the 2019 fiscal year on June 30. As part of approval in 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) required the state to conduct an independent evaluation of the impact of the change. Florida released its final report on Jan. 10, 2020 finding that they didn’t have enough information to gauge the impact.
Hardworking Floridians, like George, are the ones who feel the impact.
The 2020 legislative session ended with another one-year extension of the cut to retroactive Medicaid eligibility. Now Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration is moving to extend this cut until 2024. Use the form below to submit a comment to the official record and urge the federal government to reject this cut.
Submit a Comment to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services