Public News Service: FL Group Works to Keep Eligible People on Medicaid (March 16, 2023)

As Florida “unwinds” from the COVID-19 public health emergency and returns its Medicaid program to pre-pandemic rules, there’s a possibility that older people – in addition to children – could lose their coverage even if they’re still eligible.

Senior advocates are calling attention to Florida’s “MEDS AD” program – or Medicaid for people who are older or have disabilities – and those receiving home and community-based services through a managed-care company, enrolled in what’s called Long Term Care.

Miriam Harmatz, advocacy director and founder of the Florida Health Justice Project, said she’s concerned that people who’ve not had to renew any of their eligibility paperwork since 2020 will be lost or confused when they receive notices in the mail.

“People have fallen through the cracks in the past, even though they’re eligible,” said Harmatz, “whether that’s because they failed to get in verification as required, or it gets lost or there’s a computer SNAFU. All of those things happen.”