The Home Care Association of Florida (HCAF) is proud to announce the election of Jessica Carey, Area Director at BAYADA Home Health Care, as Interim Medicaid Specialty Director on the HCAF Board of Directors. This at-large seat was created to strengthen representation for Medicaid providers within the Association’s leadership. Jessica’s term will begin November 1, 2025, and run through June 30, 2026.

The Medicaid Specialty Director represents HCAF’s Medicaid Specialty Provider Members — including providers of long-term care (personal care/assistive care) services and Private Duty Nursing (PDN) services delivered through Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Program. This new position reflects the growing importance of Medicaid-funded services in Florida’s home care landscape.

With more than a decade of leadership experience in the home care sector, Jessica brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing Medicaid providers and the patients they serve. At BAYADA Home Health Care, she oversees multiple skilled nursing offices across Central Florida, managing a regional revenue of more than $20 million annually and driving substantial year-over-year growth.

Jessica has long been a committed HCAF advocate and an active member of the Medicaid Specialty Provider Task Force. She has participated in numerous state and federal legislative visits, conducted over 50 meetings with lawmakers, and helped elevate the voice of Florida’s Medicaid home care community at both the state and national levels. In recognition of her advocacy efforts, she was named the 2023 Florida Hearts for Home Care Ambassador of the Year.

“I am passionate about protecting and elevating the Medicaid home care industry in Florida,” Jessica shared. “As a Board member, I look forward to ensuring our voices are heard at the legislative level, strengthening our professional community, and advancing initiatives that make high-quality home care more accessible and sustainable.”

“Jessica has already been an incredibly engaged member of HCAF — regularly participating in Task Forces, attending events, and offering thoughtful input on policy issues that have helped shape our advocacy priorities as an Association," said HCAF Executive Director Denise Bellville, RN, BS. "I look forward to seeing her leadership grow even further in this new role and to continuing our work together on behalf of Florida’s Medicaid provider community.”

Acknowledging All Candidates

HCAF extends its sincere appreciation to all of the highly qualified candidates who stepped up to run for this new leadership seat, including Jenifer Ceballos, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Atlantic Care Home Health, and Olive Gaye, President and Chief Executive Officer of GenCare Resources. Their willingness to serve and their commitment to HCAF’s mission reflect the strength, expertise, and passion of Florida’s Medicaid provider community.

Please join us in congratulating Jessica Carey and thanking all of the candidates for their leadership, engagement, and dedication to advancing home care in Florida.