Doctor Visits Limited for Medicaid Patients

Florida puts caps on trips to the doctor's office as a cost-cutting measure

Medicaid patients with chronic health problems, be prepared: Frequent doctor visits are no longer allowed.

Hospitals also are taking new hits from the state Medicaid program for the poor and disabled. Payments for "frequent flier" patients to emergency room stops with the seventh visit in one year.

The Florida Legislature approved the caps this past spring. The state Agency for Healthcare Administration recently notified hospitals and doctors of the changes that kicked in Aug. 1.