The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has announced proposed amendments to Rule 59G-4.215 of the Florida Administrative Code., regarding Personal Care Services, aligning the Florida Medicaid policy with recent statutory requirements. The proposed changes primarily address the incorporation by reference of the Family Home Health Aide program, a legislative initiative codified in section 400.4765, Florida Statutes, and include technical changes to the policy language.

Key Updates to Rule 59G-4.215

The most notable change is the integration of the Family Home Health Aide program into the Medicaid Personal Care Services Coverage Policy. This incorporation formalizes the program's framework within Medicaid, offering family members the opportunity to serve as caregivers under specific conditions. In addition, minor technical adjustments have been made to bring the policy into compliance with updated legislative requirements, though the scope of these revisions is relatively limited.

Public Input and Rescheduled Hearing

Initially scheduled for September 27, 2024, the hearing for the proposed rule was postponed due to Hurricane Helene. The new hearing date is set for Monday, October 7, 2024, at 3:30 PM ET at AHCA headquarters in Tallahassee. The hearing will not offer a virtual or call-in option. A preliminary draft of the revised reference material can be accessed here.

Stakeholders are strongly encouraged to carefully review the proposed changes and submit any feedback directly to AHCA via email at MedicaidRuleComments@ahca.myflorida.com.