Children’s Medical Services Network Implements Screening Rule

After months of legal arguments and hearings regarding the eligibility screening process for the Children’s Medical Services Network (CMSN), the Florida Department of Health will be implementing a new eligibility tool effective Jan. 12 to screen and reenroll Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) into the CMSN program.

The screening tool utilizes a five-question parent survey, a physician attestation form, and a diagnosis list to allow for enrollment within the program. Families that were screened out of the CMSN program earlier this year and enrolled in a standard Medicaid Managed Care plan can apply to be reinstated to the CMSN program at their local Children’s Medical Services office.

The Department of Health will be reviewing the effectiveness of the new eligibility process and will be revisiting the tool and diagnosis list in three months.

No one understands a child and their health care needs better than a parent or primary care provider. It is critical that providers and parents have the ability to report the child’s chronic need for special health care services to qualify for a full evaluation for eligibility for enrollment in the CMSN program.

KidsWell Florida is asking that families who have been adversely impacted by the screening tool or who may be impacted by the updated screening tool contact Brian Kirk, Project Manager of KidsWell Florida, at [email protected].

Additionally, if you or a family you know, encountered a delay or a denial of needed services for a child, please tell us about it. Sharing your story can help to shed light on critical health care issues and how some children may fall between the cracks, missing out on needed health care.  These stories will be vital when the Department of Health revisits the screening process, and you can help make a big difference for your child and others who need special health services.

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