The bill mandates that starting January 1, 2026, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) must reimburse licensed providers of nonnursing services, such as home health agencies and nurse registries, at a rate that is at least equal to or higher than the rate paid to unlicensed providers, like family caregivers, under the Medicaid long-term managed care program. Additionally, the AHCA is required to adjust these rates annually to account for inflation and overhead costs.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that within 30 days of its effective date, the AHCA must request any necessary Medicaid waivers or state plan amendments to implement these changes. The overall aim of the legislation is to ensure parity in reimbursement rates for licensed and unlicensed providers of nonnursing services, thereby enhancing the quality and availability of care for individuals relying on long-term managed care.