Study Says Medicaid Changes Could Exclude Some Patients
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
By: Tom Parkinson

May 11, 2011 | WMFE - This week, we're getting different perspectives on the huge overhaul state lawmakers want to make to Florida's $21 billion dollar Medicaid program. The legislature has passed a bill that would shift nearly 3 million Medicaid recipients into an HMO-style managed-care program.

The bill is expected to be signed by Gov. Rick Scott but any changes to the joint federal/state program must be approved by the US government.
Since 2006, the state has been trying out a similar plan in pilot projects in Broward County and 4 Panhandle counties.  Supporters say those pilots proved the change will save the state money and improve services for recipients.
But some people aren't so sure.
In April, the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families in Washington DC released the results of an extensive study of Florida's pilot programs, including focus groups and interviews with providers and patients.
Joan Alker Co-Directed the study. 90.7’s Tom Parkinson reached her on the phone from Washington.

Following is a link to the Georgetown study of the Florida  pilot projects:

http://ccf.georgetown.edu/index/florida-medicaid-reform-2011-jh

This is a link to the full test of the bill recently passed by the Florida Legislature:

http://www.flsenate.gov/usercontent/committees/2010-2012/medicaid/billdraft23427.pdf