What Is the Age Limit for PPEC in Florida?

The PPEC age limit in Florida is the 21st birthday. Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care serves children from birth up to age 21, which means a child can attend from infancy through age 20 as long as their doctor prescribes it and Medicaid approves it. Here is what that looks like at each age, plus how hours and renewals work.

What ages PPEC serves

Florida's PPEC program is a Medicaid benefit for children under 21 who have a medically complex condition that needs skilled nursing during the day. Little Giants cares for children from birth through age 20 in one West Tampa building.

Age is only part of it. A child also needs a physician's prescription confirming that this level of care is medically necessary, plus Medicaid prior authorization. Our who qualifies page explains both.

Starting as a baby

There is no minimum age. A baby can start PPEC once their doctor prescribes it and the medical team agrees the baby is ready to spend the day at the center. Many of the babies we care for come home from the NICU with a feeding tube, oxygen or an apnea monitor.

Infants follow their own schedule of feeds, naps, medications and therapy, and they rest in cribs in a quiet nursery with nurses close by. Our guide to PPEC for babies after the NICU explains how to plan before discharge.

School-age children

PPEC does not stop when a child starts school. Our after school program gives school-age children continued care and supervision when the school day ends, with nurses still on site. Children come back to a place and a team they already know.

Older children and teens keep the same nursing care, from medications and tube feeds to trach and ventilator care, alongside activities that fit their age. On-site therapy continues as prescribed.

How many hours a day

A child can attend PPEC for up to 12 hours a day. The number of hours your child is approved for comes from the doctor's prescription and the Medicaid authorization, based on your child's medical needs.

Little Giants is open:

• Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Sunday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Transportation to and from the center is available when applicable. See all of our PPEC services.

How long a child can stay

There is no set end date before age 21. A PPEC prescription is renewed every 180 days, and a child can keep attending for as long as their doctor documents that the care is medically necessary and Medicaid continues to approve it.

Needs change as children grow. Some children need less nursing over time and move on to school or other programs, while others attend for many years. At each renewal, your child's doctor reviews the plan, and our team helps with the paperwork. Our article on Medicaid coverage for PPEC covers how approvals work.

Planning for age 21

PPEC ends at the 21st birthday, so it helps to start planning a year or two ahead. A few steps make the change easier:

• Ask your child's doctors which adult care and day programs they recommend.
• Talk with your child's Medicaid case manager about what changes at 21.
• Keep an up-to-date folder with your child's medical records and daily care routines.

Our social services team can help connect your family with resources and coordinate care across your child's providers as the date gets closer.

Frequently asked questions