Florida Medicaid Healthy Behaviors Incentive Program has low participation, many unaware of program, study finds

Many Florida Medicaid beneficiaries who are eligible for a pilot program that rewards them for healthy behaviors are not participating, according to a study released on Thursday by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the Florida Times-Union reports.

Under the Enhanced Benefits Account Program, Medicaid beneficiaries in several Florida counties -- Baker, Broward, Clay, Duval and Nassau -- are eligible to receive up to $125 in credits per year for having healthy behaviors. Credits range from $7.50 for following a medication regimen to $25 for a pap test or a child physician's office visit for preventive care. According to the study, beneficiaries have claimed just 10% of the $12.5 million in credits they have earned in the program. Researchers also found that 75% of physicians were unaware of the program.

The study, by researchers at Georgetown University, found that nearly 60% of the credits were for appointments with primary care physicians, 20% were for preventive care and 12% were for following prescription instructions. There are no credits earned for exercise, quitting smoking or weight loss programs, according to the Times-Union. Credits, which have no cash value, can be redeemed for health-related items at certain pharmacies.

The five-year program which ends in 2011 "privatizes benefit administration to several private health care companies, all of which are required to offer core benefits," according to the Times-Union. The state legislature will have the option to renew the program. State Rep. Aaron Bean (R), the Healthcare Council Chair for the state House, said the program is considered a national model pilot and that other states are watching it.

Georgetown University Health Policy Institute researcher Joan Alker said, "I think the program has a laudable goal, but that's a really tough outcome to achieve. There's a question whether this approach will actually work to change people's behavior" (Turner, Florida Times-Union, 7/25).

The study is available online.