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Florida Legislature 2005 (click for ongoing coverage)

THE LATEST Man gets $2M for 22 years he lost Mystery: Who left money faucet on? Many hurricane relief measures get blown away Dramatic proposal, cautious response Legislature doesn't act on minimum wage deal For open-government cause: 'a mixed bag'

House, Senate closer on Medicaid changes

While the two chambers move toward agreement, the Senate and the governor are moving further apart on the issue.

By ALISA ULFERTS
Published April 28, 2005

TALLAHASSEE - House leaders are expected to unveil a new Medicaid bill this morning that negotiators from both chambers say brings them much closer to a deal to revamp the $15-billion health care program for the poor.

They have agreed to do pilot projects instead of taking the changes statewide and on making other parts of the program voluntary for Medicaid patients, at least in the beginning.

"We've made a lot of progress," said House sponsor Rep. Holly Benson, R-Pensacola.

But if the House and Senate are getting closer, the distance between the Senate and Gov. Jeb Bush, who has named Medicaid changes as his highest priority, is widening, according to Senate President Tom Lee.

The problem, according to Lee, is Bush's insistence that lawmakers simply hand over authority for Medicaid changes to his administration. Lee said the odds of the Senate passing the changes sought by the governor were 25 for, 75 against.

"The governor's office continues to insist that the Legislature turn the Medicaid program over to the (administration), and that will not happen," said Lee, R-Brandon. "This Senate will not wash its hands of the Medicaid program in Florida." Too many lives are at stake, he added.

Lee's comments follow his decision this week not to confirm Bush's pick to negotiate the Medicaid changes: Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Alan Levine.

Bush put a more hopeful face on the issue Wednesday, though he focused his praise on House, not Senate, negotiators.

"According to Rep. Benson, there's been significant agreement. A lot of work was done last night. So we're anxious to see her bill and really applaud her on her good work, and the Senate seems to . . . they've been moving together," Bush said.

Tony Carvalho, a lobbyist for the state's major teaching hospitals, including Tampa General, said he has been briefed on the highlights of today's compromise bill.

"It's better," Carvalho said. "But we're not endorsing it yet."

Times staff writers Carrie Johnson and Lucy Morgan contributed to this report.

[Last modified April 28, 2005, 01:16:14]