House OKs Medicaid presumptive eligibility for people with disabilities
Florida House members gathering before the opening of a special legislative session on Jan. 27, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)
Florida legislators are poised to pass a law that makes it clear that state government can't kick out Medicaid beneficiaries with physical or intellectual disabilities absent a material change in the individual's disability or economic status that affects eligibility.
The bill stems from the recent Medicaid unwinding from the Covid-19 pandemic. A House staff analysis of the bill shows that between April 2023 and February 2025, 'approximately 534 disabled individuals lost Medicaid coverage because they failed to provide information requested by the DCF [Department of Children and Families] to make an eligibility determination.'
The analysis continues: 'The number of individuals who may have remained eligible for had they submitted the requested information to the DCF is unknown. During the same period, approximately 3,357 disabled individuals lost Medicaid coverage due to not meeting income and asset eligibility requirements.'
The House passed HB 1227 unanimously Wednesday. The identical Senate companion bill SB 7032, is on the Senate calendar which means it can be taken up for consideration during session.
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