P-EBT in Florida: Food Assistance for Families While Schools are Closed (2024)

No Medicaid terminations from March 2020 through the end of the federal public health emergency. The national public health emergency has existed since January 27, 2020 and has been renewed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in 90-day increments since that time. The most recent renewal is effective January 16, 2022.

On March 31, 2020, AHCA alerted providers and DCF posted on the ACCESS website that:

  • No Medicaid recipient will lose Medicaid eligibility during the COVID-19 public health emergency (unless the individual is no longer a state resident or request voluntary termination); under the newly enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a state is prohibited from ending coverage for recipients enrolled as of March 18th for the duration of the public health emergency if the state opts to obtain an enhanced federal Medicaid match.
  • AHCA is working to notify recipients who may have received a termination notice in the month of March that their benefits will be reinstated.
  • An FAQ released by federal CMS provides some examples of Medicaid eligibility groups protected under these "no termination" requirements including: former foster care youth aging out when they turn 26; youth aging out of children's eligibility when they turn 19; individuals who become ineligible for SSI; individuals no longer qualifying for Qualified Medicare Benefits (QMB). In a May 5, 2020 update, CMS states that this “no termination” requirement also applies to medically needy individuals determined eligible during the public health emergency even if they do not continue to meet their monthly share of cost in subsequent months. This protection extends through the last day of the month the public health emergency ends.
  • On October 28, 2020, federal CMS issued a new interim final rule weakening the continuous coverage, “no termination” requirement. In states like Florida that have opted to cover full benefits for lawfully residing children in the first 5 years after entry into the United States, once they turn 18, states are now required to limit their coverage to emergency services. In addition, states are now permitted to reduce optional benefits such as dental coverage or increase cost-sharing such as requiring nursing home residents to contribute more to their costs of care. But in Florida this type of change would require the Legislature to amend state Medicaid law.

Redetermination/recertification times are reinstated. As of October 1, 2020 AHCA's website is alerting recipients that the Department of Children and Families is now mailing letters for case reviews to check if a household is still eligible for Medicaid and/or Medically Needy. AHCA is urging people receiving these letters to take steps now to re-apply. But note, Medicaid coverage will not end during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. In January 2021 DCF conducted one-year “automated renewals” for people whose sole income is social security and SSI and are enrolled in an SSI-related Medicaid program (e.g., MEDS/AD, Medically Needy and Medicare Savings Programs). People getting VA income were not included in the automated renewal.

Extended application time. Effective with applications filed in February 2020, the time for submitting documentation required to process an application is extended for 120 days from the date of the application and eligibility will still be effective the first day of the month the application was received. Effective July 1, 2021, this policy has been rescinded. Medicaid applications submitted on or after July 1, 2021 may be denied on the 30th day after application or the day after verification information is due. Applications filed prior to July 1, will be allowed 120 days to provide requested verification to establish Medicaid eligibility.

Exclusion of additional unemployment payments in determining eligibility. The $600/week of additional unemployment insurance payments under the CARES Act will not be counted as income in determining Medicaid eligibility. (However, these payments will be counted as income in determining marketplace subsidy calculations.)

Coverage of Medicaid services during the state of emergency

  • Coverage of all medically necessary services to COVID-19 testing and treatment.
  • Waiver of limits on services that must be exceeded to maintain the health and safety of recipients diagnosed with COVID-19 or when necessary to maintain a recipient safely in their home
  • Waiver of prior authorization requirements for hospital, physician, advanced practice registered nursing, physician assistant, home health services and durable medical equipment and supplies. As of June 19, 2020, AHCA reinstated prior authorization requirements for all of these services.
  • Waiver of copayments for all services
  • Waiver of limits on early prescription refills, except for controlled substances
  • Coverage of a 90-day supply of maintenance prescriptions when available at the pharmacy
  • Reimbursement of out-of-state providers providing medically necessary services to Florida Medicaid beneficiaries. As of July 1, 2021, the availability of provider “provisional enrollment” for in-state and out-of-state providers will end.
  • Delay of fair hearings only in those instances when the recipient is continuing to receive services pending the outcome of the hearing

COVID-19 Vaccines for Medicaid Enrollees. In an executive order published March 16, 2021 Governor DeSantis revised the vaccine distribution plan, which applies to the general public including Medicaid enrollees, to lower the age requirement to 40 effective March 29, 2021 and then effective April 5, 2021 all Floridians are eligible to receive any COVID-19 vaccination approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Medicaid enrollees eligible to receive the vaccine may visit myvaccine.fl.gov to find a location distributing the vaccine and to schedule an appointment.

On March 12, 2021, AHCA published instructions for Medicaid enrollees on how to obtain Medicaid transportation once they have scheduled an appointment for a vaccine. AHCA states: "Florida Medicaid will take you to get the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. All you need to do is set up a time to get your vaccine. Next, let your Medicaid plan know you need a ride and they will take care of the rest. If you are not enrolled in a plan, call the Medicaid Helpline at 1-877-254-1055 to find out the name and phone number for a transportation service."

The state has also recently launched a new email system to help bring COVID-19 vaccines to homebound seniors. Seniors will be able to sign up to have the vaccine come to them by emailing a request to HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com.

AHCA has posted Medicaid Alerts and FAQs providing more detail on Medicaid service changes in response to COVID-19. They address a wide range of topics including, but not limited to: telemedicine guidance for medical, behavioral health, and early intervention services providers; long-term care provider network flexibilities allowing more types of providers to deliver specified long term care services; and continuity of care for adult day care center enrollees during the time these centers are closed.

AHCA is loosening coverage restrictions for behavioral health services. Effective May 5, 2020, all prior authorization requirements for mental health or substance use disorder treatment are waived and service limitations (frequency and duration) are lifted. For behavioral analysis services, current authorizations will be extended through an "administrative approval process" which does not require providers to reassess beneficiaries currently getting services. Effective July 1, 2021 service limits will be reinstated for behavioral health services and effective July 15, 2021 Medicaid prior authorization requirements will be reinstated for behavioral health services.

Per a May 29, 2020 provider alert, during the state of emergency AHCA will be reimbursing providers for telemedicine well-child visits provided to children older than 24 months through age 20. Providers are directed to actively work to schedule follow-up in-person visits to administer immunizations and other physical components of the exam which cannot be accomplished through telemedicine.

The public charge rule will not be applied to immigrants’ use of Medicaid benefits for COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Coverage of home and community-based waiver services (HCBS) - In response to the public emergency, Florida obtained approval from the federal government to make changes in HCBS waiver programs, including the Long Term Care and Developmental Disabilities programs. The changes are effective retroactively from January 27, 2020 to January 26, 2021. Details can be found here. They include, but are not limited to:

  • permitting virtual evaluations, assessments and care planning meetings in lieu of face to face meetings and use of electronic signatures;
  • lifting service limits in order to address health and welfare issues of enrollees;
  • adjusting service prior authorization requirements;
  • temporarily expanding the settings where services can be provided;
  • allowing payments for support services provided to enrollees in hospital or short- term institutional settings; and
  • prohibiting visitors in certain residential settings to minimize the spread of infection.

Note on COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines for the uninsured. Florida has not opted to receive 100 percent federal Medicaid funding for COVID-19 testing of people without health insurance. Under the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act this option has been expanded to cover COVID-19 treatment and vaccines for the uninsured as well. Since the state has not taken up this option Floridians must look to an uneven patchwork of free testing, treatment, and vaccine resources scattered around the state. AHCA advises that uninsured people may receive free testing from their county health department or a federally qualified health center and that “many communities provide testing for free for individuals who do not have insurance. Please [click here] to find a test site in your area. Uninsured individuals should ask before the test whether testing is free of charge." There are no state agency instructions on where uninsured people can receive free treatment. However, more information on possible sources for free treatment is available here.

Residency proof no longer required at some vaccine sites,paving the way for migrants.” - On April 29, 2021 Surgeon General Rivkees issued a new public health advisory specifying that COVID-19 vaccines are available to “a Florida resident” or someone “who is present in Florida for the purpose of providing goods or services for the benefits of residents and visitors of the State of Florida.” This new policy applies to all state-run and federally supported vaccination sites. It rescinds an advisory issued in January that had restricted vaccinations to people who could show proof of Florida residency

2021 unemployment compensation claimants can access free or reduced cost health insurance through the ACA marketplace. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace was re-opened in February 2021 to give people who need health insurance a new “special enrollment" opportunity to get covered. The 2021 American Rescue Plan eliminated or vastly reduced premiums for many people with low or moderate incomes.

Starting July 1, 2021, people who received or have been approved for unemployment compensation for any week beginning in 2021 can access free or reduced cost comprehensive health insurance plans through the ACA marketplace. This benefit is available regardless of someone's current income. To get this benefit, people must enroll in the marketplace no later than August 15, 2021. For help with enrollment, contact Covering Florida at 877-813-9115.

P-EBT in Florida: Food Assistance for Families While Schools are Closed (2024)

FAQs

P-EBT in Florida: Food Assistance for Families While Schools are Closed? ›

Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) provides food assistance to Floridians with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) but whose schools are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is Florida giving P-EBT in 2024? ›

States not participating in Summer EBT 2024:

Summer EBT will not be available in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Oklahoma, Mississippi, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

Is Florida still getting pandemic EBT? ›

According to the state's plan, P-EBT funds will not be available beyond the end of the fiscal year 2023 due to the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration ending on May 11.

Who qualifies for P-EBT in Florida? ›

2. Who is eligible for P-EBT? Families who are eligible for the free and reduced-price school meals program under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) are eligible to receive P-EBT.

How to check Florida P-EBT balance? ›

Checking Your Balance

The best way to know your balance(s) is to refer to your last receipt. You may also obtain your balance by logging on to the EBT Cardholder Portal. Or by calling the EBT Customer Service number (1-888-356-3281) on the back of your card.

Is Florida releasing EBT early? ›

On Aug. 29, 2023, FNS approved the Florida DCF request for early issuance of September 2023 benefits to SNAP households that receive their benefits between Sept. 1, 2023, and Sept. 14, 2023.

What is the summer EBT for kids in Florida? ›

Summer Grocery Benefit for Kids

SUN Bucks is a new grocery benefit available across most of the U.S. Families with eligible school-aged children can get $120 per child to buy groceries during the summer. SUN Bucks may have a different name depending on your location.

Are there emergency food stamps for Florida? ›

The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Idalia and who are not receiving food assistance benefits through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

How long will the increase in food stamps last in Florida? ›

These new benefit amounts will stay in place through September 30, 2024. After that date, they may change again depending on any changes in the cost of living. Congress will soon be making critical decisions regarding SNAP, a program that feeds 40 million people annually, 14 million of which are children.

Why did Florida opt out of summer EBT? ›

earlier this year, spokesperson Mallory McManus for the Florida Department of Children and Families released a statement saying the state didn't need the federal assistance and has concerns about Federal Strings Attached.

Can I use my Florida P-EBT card in another state? ›

Yes. You have a right to use your SNAP in all 50 states. SNAP is a federal program that is “interoperable” between states. 7 C.F.R.

What is the maximum income for SNAP in Florida? ›

Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes)
Family Size*2024 Monthly Household Income Limits* (October 2023)
1$2,430
2$3,287
3$4,143
4$5,000
4 more rows

Who qualifies for EBT cash in Florida? ›

Income and Deductions - Gross income must be less than 185% of the Federal Poverty level and countable income can't be higher than the payment standard for the family size. Individuals get a $90 deduction from their gross earned income. Citizenship - Individuals must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens.

Is Florida getting extra food stamps in 2024? ›

In 2024, 36 states participated in Summer EBT, including Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Florida is not among the states administering a Summer EBT program this year.

What time does EBT deposit in Florida? ›

It's important to note that SNAP benefits are sent out from the 1st to the 28th of every month, with the specific date determined by the 9th and 8th digits of your Florida case number (read backward), minus the 10th digit. Benefits are deposited once a day, by 6 am.

What is the phone number for P-EBT Florida? ›

Florida PEBT phone number: 1 (833) 311-0321!

Is PA getting PEBt in 2024? ›

Pennsylvania will be issuing the Summer EBT benefit as a single $120 issuance with all benefits issued by September 30, 2024. Summer-EBT benefits will be issued on a family's existing EBT card, if possible, or a new EBT card will be issued to newly eligible families.

Will Florida Snap benefits increase? ›

Benefits will vary depending on several different factors, such as household size, income, etc. But recipients can broadly expect a 3.6 percent increase on what is currently received. These new benefit amounts will stay in place through September 30, 2024.

Will summer EBT be implemented in all states, territories, and tribal nations in summer 2024? ›

By: Shauneen Miranda - September 9, 2024 7:00 am

The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program — or Summer EBT — has been enacted in 37 states, the District of Columbia and multiple territories and tribal nations this year.

Is VA doing the summer EBT 2024? ›

Benefits will be issued beginning August 9, 2024, starting with the majority of children who automatically qualified through SNAP, TANF, income-based Medicaid and NSLP. Then benefits will be issued to families who were approved after submitting an application.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Velia Krajcik

Last Updated:

Views: 5453

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Velia Krajcik

Birthday: 1996-07-27

Address: 520 Balistreri Mount, South Armand, OR 60528

Phone: +466880739437

Job: Future Retail Associate

Hobby: Polo, Scouting, Worldbuilding, Cosplaying, Photography, Rowing, Nordic skating

Introduction: My name is Velia Krajcik, I am a handsome, clean, lucky, gleaming, magnificent, proud, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.