Last fall, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) announced a significant transition affecting Florida’s Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Health Plan. Effective October 1, 2026, Molina Healthcare of Florida will assume operation of the CMS Health Plan, replacing Sunshine Health as the contracted managed care organization.

• Sunshine Health CMS Health Plan Transition Announcement

Molina Healthcare has indicated it is actively preparing for implementation and is committed to a seamless transition for children and their families, with additional provider guidance and resources forthcoming.

Contracting Requirement for Providers

Providers should be aware that existing contracts with Sunshine Health will not transfer to Molina Healthcare.

To continue serving CMS Health Plan members beyond the continuity of care period, providers must enter into a new contract directly with Molina Healthcare.

Molina Healthcare is currently accepting applications statewide and encourages providers to begin the process early to ensure timely participation in the network.

• Providers can initiate contracting through Molina Healthcare's provider portal
• Current Molina Healthcare providers will receive additional instructions directly
• All providers should verify credentialing and demographic information through Molina’s provider management system

Continuity of Care and Member Transition

While the plan administrator is changing, several key elements will remain consistent:

• CMS Health Plan members will automatically transition from Sunshine Health to Molina Healthcare
• The CMS Health Plan name will remain unchanged
• Existing prior authorizations will be honored during the continuity of care period

Providers are advised not to cancel or delay services for current patients during the transition.

For services rendered prior to the transition date, providers should continue to work through Sunshine Health.

What to Expect Before October 1

Molina Healthcare is actively building its provider network and infrastructure in advance of the transition.

Providers should expect:

• Outreach from Molina Healthcare regarding network participation
• Additional operational guidance and transition details
• Access to live trainings and self-guided resources (coming soon)
• A dedicated CMS provider webpage with ongoing updates, tools, and reference materials

Molina Healthcare has emphasized the importance of early engagement to support continuity of care and minimize disruption.

Key Contacts and Resources

• Molina Healthcare CMS Network Inquiries: CMSplan@molinahealthcare.com
• Molina Healthcare Provider Information & Enrollment
• Molina Healthcare Transition FAQs
  
• Sunshine Health (pre-transition services): (844) 477-8313

Providers should direct current CMS-related service issues (prior to October 1, 2026) to Sunshine Health or their assigned representative.

Key Takeaway

This transition represents a significant network and contracting change — not a disruption in patient coverage.

However, providers who wish to continue serving CMS Health Plan members must take proactive steps now to contract with Molina Healthcare, verify credentialing, and prepare operationally for the transition.

HCAF will continue to monitor developments and share updates as additional guidance becomes available.