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SB 850

Federal Approval for Community Health Workers as Medicaid Providers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rosalind Osgood

Bill would have authorized Community Health Workers as direct Medicaid providers in Florida, expanding healthcare access but facing opposition over clinical oversight and reimbursement authority before dying in committee.

Died in Health Policy
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Bill Summary · SB 850

Legislative bill overview

SB 850 sought to establish federal approval for Community Health Workers (CHWs) to serve as direct Medicaid providers in Florida. This would have expanded the scope of practice for CHWs beyond their current limitations, allowing them to bill Medicaid directly for services rather than working exclusively under physician supervision or as support staff.

Why is this important

Community Health Workers, typically from the communities they serve, play a critical role in addressing health disparities and improving access to preventive care in underserved populations. Enabling them as independent Medicaid providers could increase healthcare access in rural and low-income areas while potentially reducing costs. However, the bill faced significant procedural and substantive hurdles before dying in committee.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice concerns: Medical boards and physicians may oppose expanded CHW autonomy due to questions about clinical oversight, liability, and whether CHW training adequately prepares them for independent decision-making in complex cases
  • Reimbursement and cost implications: Uncertainty about how federal Medicaid would approve and reimburse CHWs, and whether this represents a budget savings or new expenditure at state and federal levels
  • Regulatory clarity: The bill's reliance on federal approval created ambiguity about state authority and implementation timelines, potentially explaining the withdrawal and indefinite postponement

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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