TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- A new proposed Florida House bill creates a section of Florida law requiring Medicaid coverage for blood pressure monitors and cuffs for certain patients diagnosed with hypertension.
What it does: HB 781 outlines the new requirement for Medicaid and defines key terms while creating a new section in Florida Statutes.
- The bill defines a “blood pressure monitor and cuff” as a validated device used to measure blood pressure outside a clinical setting. It can be used at home to treat and manage hypertension.
- It requires the Agency for Health Care Administration or AHCA to provide the coverage for the equipment under the Medicaid pharmacy benefit. Coverage is subject to legislative appropriations, meaning funding is dependent on the legislature.
- Coverage only applies if both of the following requirements are met: the Medicaid recipient must be diagnosed with hypertension by a primary care physician or another authorized and licensed health care practitioner, and a qualified practitioner must prescribe medication for hypertension along with validated blood pressure monitor and cuff to help manage the condition.
- The coverage must include necessary repairs and replacement parts for the equipment.
- To continue receiving coverage, the patient must have a follow-up care at least once every six months for the first 18 months. After that, follow-up care must occur once every 12 months. Visits can be conducted in-person or via telehealth.
- AHCA must seek federal approval if required, to implement the coverage changes.
- AHCA must include the financial impact of this new coverage in Medicaid Managed Medical Assistance program rates and long-term care managed care program rates. These adjustments apply to rates effective on or after Oct. 1, 2026.
Sponsor: This bill is sponsored by Republican Rep. Brian Hodgers. A similar Senate bill, SB 736, has also been introduced.
If passed: The bill would take effect on Oct. 1, 2026. The bill would take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.