Rep. Matt Hudson, a Naples Republican who in recent years spearheaded a reorganization of the Florida Department of Health, now wants to focus attention on the state Department of Elder Affairs.
The House Healthy Families Subcommittee on Wednesday approved a Hudson-sponsored bill (HB 601) that calls for a study of the elder-affairs agency.
“This bill would be the beginning of a process to look at the Department of Elder Affairs,” said Hudson, who plays an influential role as chairman of the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee.
The review would be conducted by the state’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability.
The role of the Department of Elder Affairs is expected to change in coming years, as a new statewide Medicaid managed-care system takes effect for seniors who need long-term care.
Some programs that the Department of Elder Affairs oversees would be largely absorbed into the new Medicaid managed-care program.
