The Department of Health and Human Services approved changes to Florida's Medicaid program proposed by Gov. Jeb Bush. Under the plan, which has been harshly criticized by many Democrats, Florida has the authority to limit spending on the benefits each program recipient receives. The approval also allows managed care companies more flexibility in restricting benefits. The spending cap specifically excludes pregnant women and those under the age of 21. The HHS approval gives the state the authority to run the program as a demonstration project, bypassing rules which would have made it difficult to make changes to the program. Supporters say the changes in the program are the only way in which Medicaid spending can be brought in line.
- see this article from The New York Times