This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning public assistance, with a particular emphasis on the Medicaid program. It empowers the Agency for Health Care Administration to conduct retrospective reviews and audits of Medicaid claims to confirm emergency medical conditions. A significant new provision requires the agency to seek federal approval for mandatory work and community engagement requirements for able-bodied adults to obtain and maintain Medicaid coverage. The agency is also tasked with developing a business plan in collaboration with the Department of Children and Families to determine eligibility and compliance with these requirements. Additionally, the bill revises existing Medicaid service provisions, including cost-effective purchasing practices and the establishment of a preferred drug list, while mandating compliance notifications and outlining consequences for noncompliance.

Moreover, the bill introduces amendments aimed at enhancing the oversight and integrity of Florida's Medicaid program and food assistance eligibility. It allows for retrospective reviews to identify fraud and overpayments, requiring the agency to submit an annual report on its fraud control efforts. A new section for food assistance eligibility mandates documentation of shelter or utility expenses and limits eligibility to specific resident categories. The bill also outlines a plan to improve food assistance payment accuracy, aiming to reduce the state's error rate below 6 percent, and includes provisions for enhanced employee training and the use of photographic identification on electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1758 Filed: 409.904, 409.905, 409.91195, 409.912, 414.455, 409.91196
S 1758 c1: 409.904, 409.905, 409.91195, 409.912, 414.455, 409.91196
S 1758 c2: 409.904, 409.905, 409.91195, 409.912, 414.455, 409.91196