Florida, feds hammer out Medicaid overhaul

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Federal health officials have granted Florida a two-week extension as both parties hammer out an agreement to privatize Medicaid statewide. Federal officials said they may terminate supplemental funds to the low-income pool by December 2013. The program funnels extra money to hospitals and providers that serve uninsured patients.

Florida health officials said they were disappointed feds would consider such serious changes at the last minute. The Republican led legislature passed bills expanding a five-county pilot program which places the health care of nearly 3 million beneficiaries into the hands of for-profit companies.

Supporters said the bills will mitigate rising Medicaid costs. Health advocates have complained of the state's lax oversight and worry providers are lining their pockets with taxpayer funds instead of spending it on patient care.