A new report from Health Management Associates (HMA) shows that Florida policymakers must increase Medicaid reimbursement rates in order for the home health sector to absorb the increase in the state minimum wage to $15 an hour.

The report analyzes current Florida Medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement rates for home health services and personal care services to assist patients residing in the home or community with activities of daily living (ADLs). Home health aides and personal care aides provide assistance with ADLs, including bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting. Medicaid reimburses $15 per hour for personal care services and $17.46 per visit for home health services.

HCAF commissioned the report from HMA to objectively show that lawmakers must proportionally increase Medicaid reimbursement during the ongoing legislative session to ensure the financial viability of the sector and protect access to care for patients.

Click here to read the report.

"By not addressing this issue sooner than later, home health providers could be forced to suspend personal care services for patients, leading to avoidable hospitalizations and more costly institutional care," said Kyle Simon, HCAF Director of Government Affairs and Communications.

The report has already been circulated to all 160 state lawmakers, Governor Ron DeSantis, and Florida Agency for Health Care Administration leadership.