CMS has threatened to withhold federal Medicaid funding from Florida unless the state eliminates restrictions on how many times Medicaid beneficiaries can visit emergency departments.
According to a CMS notice, Florida has continued to limit the number of times beneficiaries can go to EDs (six times annually) despite CMS disapproving an amendment adding the limit to the state's Medicaid program. This violates a Social Security Act provision requiring state Medicaid plans to make medical assistance (including outpatient hospital services) available to eligible individuals, according to CMS.
The state must request a hearing from CMS regarding the issue within 30 days of the notice's Feb. 20 publication date, or CMS will begin withholding federal funds.
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