During the 2018 session, Florida lawmakers voted to cut the Retroactive Medicaid Eligibility (RME) period for non-pregnant adults over 21. Seniors, people with disabilities, and parents taking care of minor children are now only eligible for up to 30 days of retroactive coverage once they qualify for Medicaid. This is less than the 90 days still reserved for pregnant women and children.
The federal government approved the change to Medicaid until the end of the 2019 fiscal year on June 30. However, this year Senator Bean introduced SB 192 that would have permanently shortened the retroactive period.
SB 192 ultimately failed. Thank you to the over 300 Floridians who sent letters to Tallahassee opposing the bill!
Legislators still reduced funding for Medicaid retroactive eligibility for the 2019-2020 fiscal year by $104 million. Nevertheless, advocates and Floridians will have the opportunity to fight for completely restored RME funding beginning now, through the 2020 legislative session.