Fla. House Begins Debate On Medicaid Revamp
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) – Medicaid services in the state of Florida takes center stage in Tallahassee Tuesday. The Florida House is beginning floor action on legislation that would shift delivery of Medicaid services largely to private companies.
The chamber is discussing the issue Tuesday and a roll call is expected on Thursday.
Sponsors say moving the state-federal program that provides health care for low income and disabled people to managed care will cut its rapidly rising costs.
The Senate also is moving in the same direction although the chambers differ on some of the details.
Florida currently has five counties in an experimental managed care program.
Besides the state legislation, expanding managed care statewide would need approval from the federal government, which picks up most of the program's cost.
It's expected to total $22 billion in the next budget year.
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