The Home Care Association of Florida (HCAF) is proud to announce the recipient of the 2023 Home Care Legislative Advocate Award: Representative Traci Koster (R-Tampa). This award acknowledges Representative Koster’s unwavering dedication to the home care provider community and her relentless efforts to safeguard access to home care services for Floridians.

The Home Care Legislative Advocate Award is bestowed upon state lawmakers who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the well-being of home care providers and their patients/clients. Each recipient is thoughtfully chosen by the Board of Directors and the Governmental Affairs Task Force in collaboration with HCAF's external lobbying firm, Continental Strategy.

Throughout the 2023 Florida Legislative Session, Representative Koster's commitment and tireless advocacy made an indelible impact on the state's home care provider community. She championed HB 871, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at protecting home health agencies from needless and costly Medicaid enrollment requirements. These gratuitous requirements posed a significant threat, potentially limiting access to top-tier, cost-effective home care for Medicaid recipients, specifically medically fragile children.

Although HB 871 did not pass, Representative Koster's efforts ensured that the policy was included in another bill, SB 2510, that did pass and was signed into law by the Governor. This much-needed policy change distinguishes home health services from private duty nursing services. This achievement represents a resounding victory for Medicaid providers statewide, ensuring their ability to deliver uninterrupted care to the most vulnerable Floridians in the patient’s preferred setting.

Bobby Lolley, RN, Executive Director of HCAF, expressed deep admiration for Representative Koster's advocacy, stating, “Representative Koster's dedication to our community is truly commendable. Her pivotal role in safeguarding home care services has been instrumental in benefiting countless Floridians. We are profoundly grateful for her tireless commitment.”