A filed Florida Senate bill would authorize a Medicaid-funded behavioral health intervention pilot in five Region G counties, contingent on an appropriation.
Proposed Medicaid pilot
According to The Florida Senate, SB 1470 is a filed proposal that would create a new section of Florida law authorizing a demonstration pilot program for behavioral health intervention services. The measure is not enacted law.
The Florida Senate says the pilot would be contingent on an appropriation and funded through the state Medicaid plan. It would provide de-risking disease behavioral health intervention services to Medicaid recipients.
Region G coverage
According to The Florida Senate, the proposed pilot would operate in Medicaid Region G. The region consists of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties.
The Florida Senate states that Medicaid managed assistance providers would be allowed to offer the specified intervention services to people participating in the pilot.
Services and program requirements
The Florida Senate describes the proposed services as five concurrent chronic disease self-management services and medical nutrition supports. The source says these services have been shown in research to improve behavioral health and chronic disease outcomes.
According to The Florida Senate, the services would include behavioral health counseling provided by a licensed clinical social worker. The bill would also set requirements for the pilot program, require consideration of certain factors in capitation-rate payments, and provide for the pilot’s future expiration.
The Florida Senate says the measure cites federal Medicaid managed care regulations, including 42 C.F.R. 438.3(e)(2) and 42 C.F.R. 438.16, under which the Agency for Health Care Administration may approve the services.
Reporting and related legislation
According to The Florida Senate, the state Medicaid plan would be required to report to the Legislature after the pilot expires. The source also states that HB 1315, a companion House bill with the same provisions, was filed.
What this means for Florida patients
If enacted and funded, SB 1470 could create a Medicaid pilot involving behavioral health intervention services in five Florida counties, according to The Florida Senate. Patients seeking treatment locally can use the directory, which lists 316 published clinics in Florida, to identify nearby options.
This is general information, not medical advice.
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This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.