2020 is the year of Medicaid - at least in terms of Future Effect's legislative priorities. In this episode, Danielle and Joe will take a deep dive into the Child Welfare Specialty Plan (CSWP); a unique Medicaid plan offered to children in the state of Florida who are currently in, or adopted out of, the foster care system. The CWSP has been life changing for kids in foster care, and we're advocating for three key points to strengthen it further.

Priority #1: Specialty plan enrollment eligibility currently consists of children or youth in care, in extended foster care or in a subsidized adoption. We are requesting the inclusion of children in permanent guardianship, who are currently ineligible for the CWSP despite needing the same specialized services.

Priority #2: Adopting language in Florida Statute Chapter 63 that allows for the sharing of data and information of post-adoption recipients to coordinate the delivery of medical and behavioral health services. Currently, the child's case management team and medical team are unable to continue working together once the adoption is finalized - despite the child receiving post adoptive services.

Priority #3: If a child welfare specialty plan exists, there is no requirement for an insurer to operate it in partnership with CBC lead agencies. We're advocating that insurance agencies who bid to operate this plan must do so in partnership with a CBC lead agency, as child welfare experts know the needs of these children best.

Tune in through the end for a surprise cameo!

And yes - we know the holidays are long gone. For Christmas, Santa brought us the gift of technical difficulties.