The petition
As of July 2006 in Broward and Duval Counties a Medicaid Reform has been implemented. As part of the reform the CMS (Children’s Medial Services) program, a service for medically complex kids, is now forced to get pre-authorization for services & stay “in network”, in essence become an HMO. Accessibility to the specialized care that these kids desperately need can mean the difference of life and death.
Since implemented children with life threatening conditions are being relegated to treatment “in network” regardless of accessibility to services. If a child needs an out of network specialist to survive, and has already been treated by the out of network specialist, shouldn’t they continue with the care plan that has made them successful?
Up till January 1st, 2007 my daughter who has a life threatening heart condition, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, has been cared for by the specialists at Miami Children’s Hospital. She’s had two open heart surgeries and is scheduled for another, but now thanks to the reform she must seek treatment in a facility that does not specialize in her condition. Prior to Medicaid reform, she did not need pre-authorization for the medical services that have enabled her not only to survive but to thrive. Now, however, she has already been denied referrals to the doctors that have been with her since birth. WE ARE NOT ALONE, more and more parents are reporting the same problems. Continuity of care is an integral part of a successful treatment and rehabilitation program the Medicaid Reform is not compatible with this philosophy.
Furthermore, the auxiliary services such as therapy, medially necessary transportation, and Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (daycare for medically complex children) have not been paid since January 1st. The reform is forcing business to lay off valuable employees and some are on the verge of closing. How long does the state of Florida expect these businesses to work for free?
As a parent of a special needs child I beseech you to please sign this petition to repeal
the Florida Medicaid Reform. These are Broward County’s most vulnerable children and they need us to advocate for their futures. Accessibility to care can mean the difference of life and death for some of these children. These programs have made a world of difference in helping disabled kids not only have hope of a normal future, but in my daughter’s case have also given her the gift of life. Please help repeal the HMO structure of the CMS Medicaid program.
For more information go to: www.stopflmedicaidreform.com
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