Thousands of Florida families are in crisis—and no one in power is stepping up fast enough.

Children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities across Florida have lost access to medically prescribed therapies like music and equine-assisted therapy. Why? Because Sunshine Health, a state-contracted Medicaid provider, abruptly ended its agreement with MTM Health after an audit revealed unqualified therapists were being paid. While that audit was necessary, the state’s response has left kids without the support they urgently need.

Therapists have been furloughed. Small practices are owed tens of thousands of dollars and can’t pay staff. Children are regressing. For those with disabilities who thrive on structure and consistency, the sudden loss of a trusted therapist can trigger emotional spirals and major developmental setbacks.

And now, families are being told to wait until January 1—nearly three months without services—before a new system kicks in. That’s not just unacceptable. It’s harmful.

Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and Sunshine Health must act now to restore therapy access immediately. That means:

Providing emergency funding or reimbursements to qualified therapy providers
Fast-tracking temporary contracts or stopgap support
Ensuring no child goes without their medically prescribed care

This isn’t just about paperwork or contracts—it’s about kids who’ve learned to speak through song, gained confidence through horseback riding, or calmed their anxieties through structured play. These are not luxury services. 

We call on AHCA Secretary Shevaun Harris, Sunshine Health leadership, and Florida lawmakers to take emergency action to bridge the care gap before any more children are left behind.

Don’t make families suffer for a problem they didn’t cause. Restore therapy access now.

Photo: Katie DeNapoli/Tampa Bay Times