FL H1199

Legislature recognizes a health insurance coverage gap for young adults ages 18-26 who cannot obtain coverage through parents, employers, or Medicaid due to income eligibility criteria.

Agency for Health Care Administration, in consultation with the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, must conduct a study assessing impacts of adjusting Medicaid income eligibility criteria for this age group.

Study must identify the estimated number of affected young adults, estimate additional Medicaid program costs, determine unaddressed behavioral health needs, and correlate health insurance coverage gaps with emergency room and urgent care usage.

Based on study findings, agency must assess health needs, identify evidence-based interventions, develop strategic approaches to behavioral health access, and make recommendations on whether to increase Medicaid income eligibility for young adults 18-26.

Agency must submit report of findings and recommendations to the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House by January 1, 2024.