HHA for Medically
Fragile Children
Program
No one cares for your child like you.
It’s time you got paid for it, too.
We’re excited to share a new initiative available in Florida, The Home Health Aide for Medically Fragile Children Program! If you have a medically fragile child who is eligible for nursing services, you can be paid to be their caregiver.
Thanks to a new Florida Medicaid policy, you can become a Home Health Aide (HHA) with free training through Care Options for Kids. We’d love for you to join our family and help support yours at the same time!
It’s easy to get started — just fill out the contact form to learn more about this program, and we will be in touch soon!
Program Benefits
Florida Bill HB 391 allows family members to get reimbursed by Medicaid for providing care to a relative who is 21 years old or younger with an underlying physical, mental, or cognitive impairment.
- Paid training and education
- 86 hours of training required
- Compensation up to 40 hours/week
- Includes benefits and 401(k)
Interested? Contact Us!
Fill out the form below, and we’ll contact you with more information soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Home Health Aide for Medically Fragile Children Program?
The Home Health Aide for Medically Fragile Children Program is an opportunity for family members to receive training and gainful employment. This program allows family members to be reimbursed by Medicaid (through a Home Health Agency), by providing care to a relative who is 21 years old or younger with an underlying physical, mental, or cognitive impairment AND is eligible to receive skilled care services under the Medicaid program.
Why was this program created?
The program was created in response to the national health care provider shortage and its impact on medically fragile children and their family. This is a supplemental program that will allow family members to obtain gainful employment when they do not have complete nursing coverage for PDN hours that are ordered and authorized.
What are the eligibility requirements to participate in this program?
To be eligible to participate in the HHA for Medically Fragile Children program at our agency (and per AHCA requirements), your child must be Medicaid Eligible and participate in one of the Medicaid MMA or CMS programs. If your child is covered under Kidcare or Health Kids and you pay a monthly premium or have a co-pay for PDN services your child is not eligible to participate in the program.
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Be a family caregiver of an eligible relative;
- Demonstrate a minimum ability to read and write;
- Successfully pass background screening requirements; and
- Complete an approved training program or have graduated from an accredited prelicensure nursing education program and are waiting to take the state licensing exam.
When will this program be finalized?
The bill for this program becomes effective once it becomes Florida Law. The bill required the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), in consultation with the Board of Nursing, to finalize the HHAMFC training program, which is complete at this time. AHCA now needs to finalize the Florida Medicaid Private Duty Nursing Coverage Policy and the fee schedule. During AHCA’s last public hearing held July 31st 2024, they explained that the policy should be finalized within a “couple months” if there are no changes to the proposed policy. However, it is not uncommon for completion dates to be extended.
What if I’m unable to pass the required background screening? I plan to only work with my child after all.
Unfortunately, this is something we have no control over. The bill specifically outlines that employment for this program may not be offered to individuals whose name appears on a criminal screening report from the Department of Law Enforcement. This is a Florida Statute which regulates health professions and occupations. If your family is affected by this Florida mandate, we understand how this may impact you and your family. If affected, we want to make you aware that there are options for you.
In Florida, licensed health professionals who are disqualified from employment due to a background check may be able to apply for an exemption from their professional body. Non-licensed officials can apply for an exemption through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The applicant must provide clear and convincing evidence to support their request, which is a higher standard than in civil court. The Florida State will consider factors such as:
- The circumstances of the offense
- Parole or probation violations
- The harm caused to the victim
- The time since the offense
- Work experience
- Performance evaluations
- Personal references
How do I get signed up to participate in this program?
Stay connected with us! As we are waiting for the final policy from the state, we are proactively communicating with families so that we can work together to get you trained and working as quickly as possible with your child! We are sending out communication frequently to keep everyone updated on the state’s progress as well as ours.
If you are not receiving our communication, please work with your local office to be added to our communication list.
Contact us for more information!
How many family members can participate in this program?
We have not received the final ruling from the state and therefore do not have the clarity needed to answer this just yet.
What type of training do I need to complete?
As outlined in the Bill, the training program must consist of at least 86 hours and include at least 40 hours of theoretical instruction in nursing, 20 hours of skills training on basic nursing, 16 hours of clinical training under the direct supervision of a licensed registered nurse, and an unspecified minimum number of hours of training on HIV/AIDS infections. Additionally, they must also obtain and maintain a current certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and complete 12 hours of annual in-service training each 12-month period. Furthermore, they must complete the 6 hours of training for administering medication upon delegation by a registered nurse.
Will the company pay for my training?
Absolutely! We are grateful for this opportunity and are eager to support you and your family by covering the costs of your education and training.
Will this count towards my income and therefore my Medicaid eligibility?
During AHCA’s last public hearing, July 31st 2024, they clarified that this policy update will not change the eligibility requirements for Medicaid. Therefore, the income your family receives from this program will be reportable income when applying or re-applying for Medicaid.
Can I work at the same time I have nursing coverage?
No, this program was provided as an effort to reduce the nursing coverage gaps patients and families have. Furthermore, the bill prohibits family members from duplicating private duty nursing services provided to an eligible recipient.
What hourly rate will I make?
This is a very important question that we are excited to address. The Bill requires AHCA to determine a fee schedule for Home Health Agencies. A fee schedule is a complete listing of fees used by Medicare/Medicaid to pay doctors or other providers/suppliers. Until this is finalized, we are unable to determine what the pay will be just yet. Once we have more information, you will be the first to know what our competitive pay rate will be! We are also excited to offer benefits such as 401k, medical, and dental health insurance, and PTO for eligible employees.
