A potential Medicaid buy-in program would allow people not currently eligible for Medicaid services to participate by paying monthly premiums and co-payments. Implementing a buy-in program could improve health care access for some of the 2.7 million uninsured Floridians. However, the cost to the state could be substantial, depending on the number of people covered, the benefits package, and financing mechanisms. Because most of those uninsured have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level, they would likely be able to afford only modest premium payments. In addition, the state has limited options to finance a buy-in program within existing available resources.
Redesigning the current medically needy program into a buy-in program could be beneficial to some participants and to the state. However, other medically needy individuals who might qualify could potentially lose their safety net. The large pool of potential buy-in participants and the upcoming implementation of Medicare Part D make estimating the size and costs for a medically needy buy-in program problematic at this time.

Continuing Certain Medicaid Options Will Increase Costs, But Benefit Recipients and the State
Report 05-03 January 2005
Legislature Has Several Options for Florida's KidCare Family Premium
Report 04-84 December 2004

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.