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Florida spent $6.57 billion on applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism and special needs between 2023 and 2025, more than any other state, according to the state's deputy secretary for Medicaid policy and quality. The spending reflects Florida's Medicaid coverage of ABA therapy for eligible children. The disclosure came during a state briefing but the article does not specify immediate policy changes or effective dates. The expenditure level highlights Florida's significant investment in autism and developmental disability services under Medicaid, which affects health plans administering these benefits and providers delivering ABA services.
A three-judge federal appeals panel questioned Florida officials during oral arguments over the state's Medicaid termination procedures following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The lawsuit, filed three years ago, challenges how Florida conducted eligibility redeterminations and disenrolled beneficiaries after continuous enrollment protections expired. The court's scrutiny focused on the state's procedural compliance with federal notice and due process requirements. The case could affect how states manage Medicaid disenrollment processes and beneficiary protections during eligibility reviews.
Florida's Auditor General reported that the Department of Children and Families significantly delayed providing records for an audit of Medicaid eligibility redeterminations following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The audit report cites "Significant Audit Constraints" and recommends DCF management demonstrate commitment to accountability, transparency, and compliance with state law. The delay affected the auditor's ability to review how Florida handled the unwinding process that began in 2023. This raises questions about oversight and transparency in Florida's management of Medicaid eligibility operations during a period when millions of beneficiaries nationwide lost coverage.
A Florida lawmaker is calling for the next governor to reconsider the state's ongoing litigation challenging federal continuous eligibility requirements for children in KidCare, Florida's CHIP program. Governor DeSantis has spent two years in court opposing the federal mandate that children remain enrolled for 12 months. The challenge has prevented implementation of a 2023 state law the governor signed. The legal dispute centers on whether Florida must comply with the federal continuous eligibility policy as a condition of receiving federal Medicaid and CHIP funding.
Florida's 67 counties will pay nearly $420 million toward state Medicaid spending this fiscal year, according to state economists. Miami-Dade County faces the largest share at $69.4 million, followed by Broward at $34.7 million and Hillsborough County. The county obligation comes as Florida counties anticipate declining property tax revenue. This county-level Medicaid cost-sharing arrangement represents mandatory local government contributions to the state's Medicaid program budget.
Pediatric Associates, Florida's largest Medicaid pediatric provider, filed suit against the DeSantis administration challenging how the state adjusted managed care capitation rates to account for applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services for children with autism and special needs. The lawsuit alleges Florida Medicaid officials improperly calculated rate adjustments when incorporating ABA costs into managed care plan payments. The case directly challenges the state's rate-setting methodology for pediatric behavioral health services delivered through managed care organizations. Litigation outcome could affect how Florida structures capitation payments for high-cost behavioral health services and whether current rates adequately cover provider costs.
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