Managed Care · FL
Florida Health Plan Highlights Operational Requirements for Self-Directed Care Programs
Independent Living Systems, a Florida-based health plan serving Medicaid long-term care enrollees, discussed the operational complexities of administering self-directed care when it transitioned to plan status in 2018. The plan required specialized administrative partnerships to support participant-directed services within Florida's Medicaid LTSS program. Self-directed care allows enrollees to manage their own services and supports, but requires health plans to build infrastructure for enrollment, budgeting, and compliance. The article addresses common misconceptions and operational realities for plans administering these programs.
Why it mattersHealth plans in states with self-direction options must develop specialized administrative capabilities and vendor partnerships to comply with participant-directed service requirements under Medicaid managed LTSS contracts.