Florida had a strong presence in Washington, D.C. this week, with 18 advocates representing 12 home health and hospice organizations joining more than 240 advocates from 42 states for the National Alliance for Care at Home (Alliance) annual advocacy fly-in.

The program began on Tuesday, September 9, with a welcome reception and policy briefing hosted by the Alliance. On Wednesday, September 10, advocates took to Capitol Hill for a full day of congressional meetings to deliver a unified message on behalf of patients, families, and providers.

Florida’s delegation met with 14 congressional offices, including Senators Rick Scott (R) and Ashley Moody (R) and House Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health Chair Vern Buchanan (R-Longboat Key). Advocates also provided materials to 14 additional offices, engaging 28 of Florida’s 30 congressional offices in total.

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Advocacy extended beyond Washington as providers across the state participated virtually by contacting lawmakers through HCAF’s online Legislative Action Center, amplifying the voices of Florida’s home care community.

Key Advocacy Priorities

During meetings with lawmakers, advocates urged Congress to act on three critical priorities to safeguard access to care at home:

• Protect Home Health Care: Oppose the 2026 proposed payment rule and urge the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to rescind cuts that would jeopardize access by cosponsoring the Home Health Stabilization Act (H.R. 5142), which would pause cuts for two years.
• Safeguard Medicaid Home Care: Expand access to home- and community-based services (HCBS) and reject policies that restrict eligibility, coverage, or funding. More than 700,000 Americans — including over 77,000 Floridians — remain on waiting lists, leaving many without access to high-quality, cost-effective in-home support.
• Make Telehealth Flexibilities Permanent: Cosponsor the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1261/H.R. 4206) to ensure continued access to telehealth for home health, hospice, and palliative care. Without action, these vital flexibilities will expire on September 30, 2025.

The fly-in underscored the strength of national and state coalitions. As Alliance CEO Dr. Steve Landers reflected, “As more than 230 advocates descended on Capitol Hill, I saw our team, members, and leaders come together with energy, unity, and purpose. We’ve grown and improved over the past year, creating one team from two, telling our story with authenticity, and showing what’s possible when we advocate together. What I’ll remember most is the privilege of working with people I enjoy and believe in on worthy causes and initiatives.”

HCAF Executive Director Denise Bellville, RN, praised Florida’s advocates, noting, “Our delegation showed up in force to ensure Florida’s voice was heard loud and clear on Capitol Hill. The stakes could not be higher — payment cuts, Medicaid waiting lists, and the looming expiration of telehealth flexibilities all threaten access to care at home. We need every provider engaged in this fight to keep the momentum going.”

Keep the Momentum Going

It’s not too late to take action — every voice makes a difference. Visit HCAF’s Legislative Action Center to email your lawmakers today and help protect access to high-quality home care for Floridians and families nationwide.