Making Florida Number One in Education
Governor Scott aspires to make public education first in the nation. This brief reviews the work of Florida KIDS COUNT which determined how outcomes would need to change if the state was to meet this goal. Are Florida policy makers prepared to take the steps and make the investments necessary to achieve those outcomes?
CNN recently asked Governor Rick Scott whether he would join the President-Elect’s administration. The Governor replied that he intends to stay in Florida and, among a list of priorities, make Florida first in the nation in education.
What does it mean to make Florida first in the nation in education?
Florida KIDS COUNT answered that question. Using the education components of the national KIDS COUNT data, Florida KIDS COUNT identified four discrepancies between Florida educational outcomes and those of the highest ranked states to quantify the differences.
In Florida, half of our three- and four-year-olds do not participate in nursery school, preschool, or kindergarten.
While there are many factors that influence student performance in school, their earliest educational experience is the most profound. These formative years are crucial for a child’s social, psychological and intellectual development. Individual growth in early education is crucial for long-term success in elementary and secondary school. High-quality programs foster children’s growth and the development of interpersonal and cognitive skills.
The issue here is not the availability of early learning programs. Floridians added the provision of free prekindergarten programs to the State Constitution in 2002. Instead, the issue is that parents do not or cannot avail their children of these programs. Children who don’t participate in these valuable programs miss the opportunity to learn fundamental social and academic skills that prepare them for school. Deficits in these skills compound over time, rendering the children less prepared to master the reading, writing, math, and critical thinking skills necessary to be successful in school.
In the highest-ranked state, 66 percent of three- and four-year-olds participate in early education. For Florida to take first place, an additional 71,300 children would have to participate. Rather than requiring political will, this race to the top of national rankings simply requires parental will. To the extent that parents are unaware of the availability of early education programs, local early learning coalitions could redouble their outreach efforts to ensure that parents can make an informed decision about the best interests of their children. If there are barriers to participation, the early learning coalitions should collect and report this information through the Office of Early Learning
In Florida, 61 percent of fourth graders are not proficient in reading.
Reading proficiency is the most important academic skill and non-proficiency is the precursor of serious ongoing academic struggles. Much of education is text-based. With each progressive grade, the reliance on reading increases. Students read textbooks and supplemental documents for most subjects. They are expected to read this text independently and with comprehension. When students’ reading proficiency does not keep pace with their grade level, they fall farther behind with each successive grade.
In kindergarten through third grade, the curriculum emphasizes reading fluency and comprehension. Third graders must demonstrate grade-level reading proficiency to be promoted to fourth grade. Florida has extensive interventions in place for students who have difficulty reading, as demonstrated on the Florida Standards Assessments in grades three through ten.
It should be noted that the measure of reading proficiency applied here is the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the sole assessment that compares fourth- and eighth-graders nationwide. In the highest ranking state on fourth-grade reading proficiency, 50 percent of students did not read at grade level. In order for Florida to take the top spot, an additional 21,900 fourth graders would have to read with grade-level proficiency.
In Florida, 74 percent of eighth graders are not proficient in mathematics.
Fluency in mathematics involves another crucial set of intellectual skills. Historically, students nationwide start to flounder in mathematics as the concepts grow more abstract and less concrete. Mathematicians expressed concern that the math curriculum was “a mile wide and an inch deep.”
In rethinking the standards for public school students, Florida took a very different approach to mathematics. It reduced the number of math standards, but increased the depth of each standard. Agreeing with the mathematicians, Florida adopted standards through which students learn the standards deeply and apply the concepts in a variety of settings. As the skills increase in complexity and abstraction, the state believes that students will be significantly better prepared to learn higher-level math. In the highest ranking state on eighth-grade math proficiency, 49 percent of eighth graders are not proficient in mathematics.
In order for Florida to rank first, an additional 44,900 students would have to demonstrate proficiency. This increase requires that the state monitor the supports provided to help teachers teach the new standards. It also requires that administrators monitor student performance to determine which students and teachers would benefit from additional math supports.
In Florida, 24 percent of students do not graduate on time.
Increasing graduation rates is crucial for Florida’s economic future. Students who do not graduate from high school limit their employment opportunities and earnings potential, both of which are fundamental to a thriving economy.
High school graduation requires all of the supports in the first three items. Students must have a solid foundation on which to build, starting with early childhood programs. If students are struggling, school personnel must intervene and find supports that reach the students.
Students drop out or flunk out of high school for a variety of reasons – social, economic and academic – and the approaches for retrieving these students must vary accordingly. State funds appropriated for dropout retrieval would pay for themselves multifold in a very short period.
We do not have the luxury of letting our high school students fall through the cracks before graduation. We must employ every tool at our disposal to identify them and help them understand the importance of earning a diploma. We would also benefit from additional adult mentors to serve as trusted models and guides so that these students know that there is at least one adult who cares about their future.
In the highest ranked state, seven percent of students do not graduate on time. Florida would have to graduate an additional 34,000 students from high school to be first. A state investment in dropout prevention would be well worth it.
Florida aspires to be first in the nation in public education. Florida public school funding still hasn’t reached pre-recession, inflation-adjusted levels. The indicators identified by Florida KIDS COUNT will require additional resources to fund the increased voluntary prekindergarten enrollments, enhanced student support services, and a renewed effort to prevent and retrieve dropouts.
To make the Governor’s stated goal a reality, state policymakers will need to take additional steps and make additional investments in our educational system. A bright future for our children and our economy depends on them doing so.
Florida KIDS COUNT. What would it take Florida: Florida’s education well-being. 2016. Accessed via: http://floridakidscount.org/docs/wwit/EducationWWITFINAL.pdf
Re-employment Assistance (RA)
Department of Children and Families (DCF) Multi-Program Policies
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Medicaid
Child Nutrition Programs
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Re-employment Assistance (RA)
American Rescue Plan Act Changes. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 extended PEUC and PUA benefits through the week ending September 6, 2021. It also increased the maximum duration of PEUC benefits ($300 a week) to 53 weeks and the maximum duration of PUA to 79 weeks. Although PEUC and PUA did not end until September 6, 2021, Florida withdrew from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC) effective June 26, 2021. FPUC provided persons who were out of work due to COVID-19 with an additional $300 a week in unemployment insurance.
Reemployment Assistance weeks reverted to 12 effective January 1, 2022. DEO determines the maximum number of weeks available to RA claimants based on a statutory formula that looks at the average unemployment rate for the most recent third calendar year quarter (i.e., July, August, and September). Based on the downturn in unemployment, the maximum number of weeks for RA reverted to 12 effective January 1, 2022.
RA work-search and work registration requirements reinstated on May 30, 2021. Persons filing an application for RA benefits beginning March 15, 2020, are not required to complete work registration in Employ Florida through May 29, 2021. In addition, work search requirements for individuals requesting benefits for the weeks beginning March 15, 2020, were also reinstated on May 30, 2021.
RA biweekly reporting requirements reinstated. Although previously waived, biweekly reporting was reinstated effective May 10, 2020. DEO’s guide to claiming weeks is here.
Mobile app deployed. DEO has deployed a mobile app for RA applications.
DEO announces extended benefits. DEO announced implementation of Extended Benefits (EB).
Resources and guidance. For a list of resources and guidance from the United States Department of Labor on unemployment insurance and COVID-19, go here.
For DEO’s “Reemployment Assistance Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Resources,” updated 12/30/2020, go here.
For DEO’s latest claims data, go here.
Department of Children and Families (DCF) Multi-Program Policies
DCF opens offices. DCF has reopened its brick-and-mortar storefronts, which were previously closed due to coronavirus.
DCF adds call center numbers. DCF has added a call center number for Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call center numbers now include 850-300-4323, 866-762-2237, or TTY 1-800-955-8771.
Certification periods extended by 6 months only through August 2020. Certification periods for cash, food and medical assistance were extended by 6 months for individuals and families scheduled to recertify in April through August 2020. FNS’ approval of the SNAP extension for August is here. However, effective September 1, 2020, SNAP, TANF and Medicaid recertifications have been reinstated, although DCF says that no one will lose Medicaid due to recertification.
DCF allows phone interviews. Phone interviews are now being used for TANF cash and SNAP food assistance.
Mandatory work requirements suspended only through May 2021. Under a directive from Governor DeSantis to waive work requirements for safety net programs, DCF waived work requirements for individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) through May 2021. To do this, DCF explains that it partnered with the Department of Economic Opportunity to apply “good cause” statewide for TANF and SNAP recipients who would otherwise be subject to participation in mandatory work requirements as a condition of receiving those benefits. Through May 2021, persons who were sanctioned in the past due to work requirements will be able to reapply and participate in SNAP or TANF again.
Work requirements were reinstated effective June 1, 2021.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Emergency allotments (EA) ended. DCF automatically supplemented SNAP allotments of current recipients up to the maximum for a household’s size for July 2021. However, EA was discontinued beginning August 1, 2021.
The SNAP benefits increase by 15 percent ended in October 2021. Floridians who participate in SNAP to put food on the table will receive a temporary 15 percent supplement to SNAP under COVID relief passed by Congress and extended by the American Rescue Plan Act through September 2021.
FNS permanently increases SNAP through revamp of the Thrifty Food Plan. Effective October 2021, FNS has mandated a permanent increase to SNAP through a revamp of the Thrifty Food Plan. DCF says that the increase amounts to about 6% for Floridians.
Time limits suspended. SNAP time limits are suspended during the COVID-19 public health emergency. No one in Florida should be barred from SNAP due to time limits, even if they exhausted their time limit in the past.
Florida granted waiver to allow families to purchase groceries online. DCF has been granted a federal waiver to permit the State of Florida to launch a pilot project statewide effective April 21, 2020, that allows families to purchase groceries online with their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card instead of going into stores.
- At present, participating retailers are Walmart, Amazon, Aldi, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Publix. DCF cautions, however, that EBT cards cannot be used for delivery fees.
- For more information, see DCF’s questions and answers about online purchasing with SNAP.
Medicaid
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.
- 120 day extension of time to request fair hearings. As of July 1, 2021, the extended timeframe ends and the standard timeframes available to recipients to submit an appeal or request a hearing will be reinstated.
- 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.
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.
Child Nutrition Programs
School children in distance learning still eligible for free or reduced cost meals. Students in distance learning for 2020-21 can still receive school meals through the National School Lunch Program if they are eligible. The student or parent/guardian may pick up meals at the school but should contact their school for more information.
For a list of current child nutrition program waivers for Florida from USDA, go here.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Congress allows increased fruit and vegetable benefits. At present, WIC provides $9 for children and $11 for women monthly for fruits and vegetables. The American Rescue Plan Act makes funding available for a four-month increase in the benefit of up to $35 monthly, if a state chooses to do so.
DOH attains waiver allowing remote issuance: Department of Health (DOH) obtained a waiver of the requirement that participants pick up their EBT cards in person at recertification or during nutritional education appointments.
WIC participants allowed to substitute certain food. Under a waiver from USDA, WIC participants in Florida are allowed to substitute milk of any available fat content and whole wheat or whole grain bread in package sizes up to 24 oz. when 16 oz. packages are unavailable.
USDA waived physical presence requirements: Although the scope and logistics are unclear at this time, USDA has given DOH permission to waive the requirement that persons be physically present at each certification or recertification determination in order to determine eligibility under the program through May 31, 2020.
USDA extends certification periods through May 31, 2020, for some participants.
For a list of current WIC waivers for Florida from USDA, go here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
HHS provides guidance. HHS has issued guidance on the flexibilities in TANF to respond to COVID-19.
