Rick Scott Announces Final Approval for Managed Care Medicaid

On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott announced the federal government--namely the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)--gave final approval to offer managed care programs to every county in the state. Back in 2006, the state launched a five county pilot based on the First Coast and in Broward County.

Florida is leading the nation in improving cost, quality and access in the Medicaid program, Scott said on Friday. CMSs final approval of our Medicaid managed care waiver is a huge win for Florida families because it will improve the coordination of care throughout the Medicaid system. Healthcare providers can now more effectively manage chronic conditions and work with families to provide preventative treatments. When I met with HHS Sec. Sebelius in DC, I underscored how important it was for Florida to have increased flexibility in our Medicaid program by granting us the ability to utilize private insurers and other innovative providers. With this long awaited waiver, we will be able to provide Medicaid users with quality, value-based and patient centered care.