By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-967546.mp3
Tallahasse, FL – The Florida legislature has approved the most sweeping change to the state's health insurance program for low-income people since it began. As Lynn Hatter reports supporters say the state will save money, address rising healthcare costs, and lower fraud.
Lawmakers have passed a sweeping bill to shift more than 2.9-million Floridians on Medicaid into managed care networks. Republican Senator Joe Negron says people with disabilities will be exempted from the change. And the bill also calls for seniors in nursing homes to receive vision, dental and eye care.
"I think that this bill does what it should do, which is treat our friends and neighbors who receive Medicaid with integrity and respect. This thing about well you're on Medicaid, line up in this line and we'll tell you where to go', that's no way to treat people. And that's not how I believe government programs should operate."
The votes in both chambers were largely on party lines with Democrats in opposition. And even through the legislature approved the proposal, nothing can go forward unless the state receives a federal waiver. And whether that will happen is still up in the air.