Are you wondering if your child will qualify for PPEC services? If you’re a parent or caregiver in Jacksonville, Florida, seeking specialized daytime medical care for a child who is medically complex or medically fragile, then a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) may be the right solution for you and your family. PPEC centers offer a nurturing environment where children receive skilled nursing care, therapies, and developmental support throughout the day.
PPEC Eligibility Criteria
A lot of families aren’t sure if their children qualify for PPEC services. To be eligible for PPEC services in Jacksonville, children must meet the following criteria:
1. Age Requirement
Children from birth through 20 years of age are eligible for PPEC services. This age range ensures that both infants and young adults with medical complexities receive appropriate care tailored to their developmental needs.
2. Medical Necessity
Eligibility requires a medically complex condition necessitating ongoing skilled nursing care or therapeutic services. Conditions that may qualify include:
- Seizure and Neurological Disorders
- Respiratory Disorders and Tracheostomy Care
- Cardiac Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Disorders and Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) feedings
- Diabetes and other Metabolic Disorders
- Seizure disorders
- Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and Lipids
- Monitors
- Other Complex medical disorders
- Medication Administration
3. Medicaid Eligibility
In Florida, PPEC services are primarily funded through Medicaid. Therefore, children must be Medicaid-eligible to receive these services. Some PPEC centers may also accept other forms of insurance or offer alternative payment options.
Fletcher’s Tender Care accepts Title 19 and Title 21 Medicaid as a form of payment. In Florida Title 19 Medicaid program is considered “regular” Medicaid and has various eligibility categories, such as income, disability and family size. The Title 19 Program is administered by AHCA, Agency for Health Care Administration.
Florida Title 21 Medicaid program provides health coverage to families whose incomes are too high to qualify for “regular” Medicaid. Title 21 is also known as CHIP, Children’s Health Insurance Program. CHIP is a federally funded program; however, individual states have flexibility in the program design.
Benefits of PPEC Services
Fletcher’s Tender Care (FTC) provides a comprehensive range of services to support both children and their families:
For Children:
- Skilled nursing care tailored to individual medical needs
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Music therapy
- Coordination of Care with PCP, and Specialist
- Developmental support and social interaction with peers
- Nutritional services
For Families:
- Peace of mind knowing the child is in a safe, supportive environment -allowing parents to attend to other responsibilities
- Access to resources, education, and support networks
- Reduced need for hospitalizations and emergency room visits
How to Enroll in PPEC Services
To begin the enrollment process for PPEC services in Jacksonville:
A referral from the child’s pediatrician or specialist is required to initiate PPEC services.
- Consult Your Child’s Physician: Discuss your child’s medical needs and obtain a referral for PPEC services. This referral should detail the child’s medical condition and the necessity for PPEC services.
- Verify Medicaid Eligibility: Ensure your child is enrolled in Florida Medicaid or explore alternative insurance options accepted by our PPEC center.
- Contact our Referral Coordinator: Dial (904) 858-9797 during office hours 9a – 5p to schedule a tour, complete Enrollment forms and discuss your child’s specific needs.
- Bring Documentation: During the tour parents will be asked to fill out necessary paperwork; bring your child’s insurance information, medications, PCP and Specialist information.
- Develop a Personalized Care Plan: Collaborate with the PPEC team to create a care plan tailored to your child’s medical and developmental requirements.
