Committee backs SB 40 to require after‑hours primary‑care availability in Medicaid managed‑care networks
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Summary
SB 40 would require at least half of primary‑care providers in each Medicaid managed‑care network to offer appointment availability outside regular business hours (defined in the bill); the committee reported the bill favorably.
A Senate committee reported SB 40 favorably after a short sponsor presentation and brief member support.
Senator Sharif, sponsor, said SB 40 strengthens access and accountability in Florida's Medicaid managed care system by defining "outside regular business hours" as weekdays between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., and all day Saturday and Sunday, and by requiring at least 50% of primary care providers in each managed‑care network to offer an appointment during one or more of those times. "The goal is simple," the sponsor said, "to ensure Medicaid enrollees can see a provider outside of regular business hours when families may need the care."
Senator Osgood voiced support, citing constituent examples of difficulty obtaining appointments outside employer hours. The bill also preserves existing transparency rules for provider databases and directs the Agency for Health Care Administration to include and enforce the requirement in managed‑care contracts.
The committee roll call recorded affirmative votes from several senators and the chair announced SB 40 was reported favorably.
Next steps: With a favorable committee report, SB 40 will move forward for further Senate consideration and for any contract‑level enforcement work by AHCA if enacted.
