Florida Increases Personal Needs Allowance for ALF Residents: Opportunity for Private Duty Home Health Agencies
Florida Increases Personal Needs Allowance for ALF Residents: Opportunity for Private Duty Home Health Agencies
On June 12, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 5001, the 2024-25 General Appropriations Act, into law, marking a pivotal moment for Florida's assisted living facility (ALF) residents. This budget, totaling $116.5 billion, represents a reduction from the previous year yet includes targeted allocations to bolster services for vulnerable populations statewide. Notably, provisions enhancing the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for ALF residents eligible for Medicaid and the Optional State Supplement (OSS) stood out among items spared from the Governor’s line-item vetoes.
Currently, ALF residents under Medicaid and OSS receive a modest PNA of $54 per month, a rate unchanged since its inception in 2001. In contrast, Medicaid beneficiaries residing in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) benefit from a significantly higher PNA of $160 per month. This disparity underscores a longstanding issue where ALF residents have not seen adjustments to meet rising living costs comparable to those provided for SNF residents.
In direct response to these inequities, the 2024-25 budget earmarks $6,669,424 to elevate the PNA for OSS-eligible ALF residents from $54 to $160 per month. This increase aims to align ALF PNA rates with SNF standards, granting residents greater financial flexibility to meet personal needs and sustain a dignified quality of life.
For Private Duty home health agencies operating in Florida, this legislative update presents a unique opportunity. As ALF residents gain access to increased PNAs, there is growing demand for personalized care services that enhance quality of life beyond basic facility provisions. Caregivers can play a pivotal role in meeting these needs, offering specialized assistance tailored to individual preferences and health requirements.
As Florida prepares to implement these budgetary changes starting July 1, home health agencies are urged to explore partnerships with ALFs and innovate service models emphasizing personalized care solutions. This proactive approach not only enhances the well-being of ALF residents but also strengthens the broader health care ecosystem by fostering collaboration and ensuring continuity of care.
For more information about the 2024-25 budget, click here.