This bill proposes the transfer of the operation of the Children's Medical Services Managed Care Plan from the Department of Health to the Agency for Health Care Administration, effective July 1, 2025. It mandates collaboration between the Children's Medical Services (CMS) program and the agency to provide care for children and youth with special health care needs, including clinical eligibility screenings and ongoing consultation. The bill also requires the agency to cover individual and family therapy services from specific behavioral health providers and seeks federal approval to amend Florida's Medicaid Model Waiver to include additional services for medically fragile children. Key amendments include the expansion of eligibility criteria to include youth up to 21 years old and the establishment of a Managed Care Plan for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes, revising definitions, eligibility requirements, and the scope of the CMS program. It includes provisions for the future repeal of certain sections related to the administration and oversight of the CMS program, streamlining the regulatory framework. The agency is empowered to competitively bid single-source-provider contracts if they demonstrate cost savings, and it can limit its network based on provider quality and beneficiary access. The bill also introduces a program of all-inclusive care for children with life-threatening illnesses and modifies training requirements for home health aides, ensuring annual assessments to evaluate caregiver satisfaction and hospitalization rates. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the CMS program and improve health care services for children and youth in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 1166 Filed: 409.906, 409.974, 391.016, 391.025, 391.026, 391.0315, 391.035, 391.045, 391.097, 409.166, 409.811, 409.813, 409.8134, 409.815, 409.8177, 409.818, 409.912, 409.9126, 409.9131, 409.920, 409.962, 409.968, 409.972, 400.54