Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled the Focus on Florida’s Future budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024–2025 today, emphasizing health care and nursing, with a notable allocation of $303.4 million for Medicaid provider reimbursement rate increases. The budget also includes investments in workforce education and a housing program. The total proposed budget is $114.4 billion, reflecting a reduction of over $4.6 billion from the current year's budget while maintaining a $16.3 billion reserve for unforeseen economic challenges.

As mandated by state law, the Governor submitted the recommended budget to the legislature at least 30 days before the annual legislative session, scheduled to begin on January 9, 2024.

• Budget Overview
• Budget Highlights
• Budget FAQs

In the realm of home health care, the Focus on Florida’s Future budget proposes over $22 million to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for Private Duty Nursing (PDN) by 5%. According to the proposal, Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) health plans are directed to pass through the fee increase to PDN providers. Justification for the increase stems from PDN services not receiving a rate adjustment since FY 2016-17. Governor DeSantis also suggests a $300,000 appropriation for the state to contract with a vendor to redesign the reimbursement methodology for PDN services in a budget-neutral manner, aiming to appropriately reimburse providers based on factors such as acuity, condition severity, duration, timing of PDN hours required, and other relevant considerations.

Furthermore, the budget allocates an additional $15 million, bringing the total to $119 million, to enhance services through the Community Care for the Elderly Program and the Home Care for the Elderly Program. This funding will provide additional support for seniors at risk of out-of-home placement, encompassing adult day care, respite for caregivers, home-delivered meals, and minor home modifications to facilitate aging in place. The budget also includes $10 million for rental assistance targeted to seniors facing housing instability.

In addressing Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, the budget allocates an additional $6 million, bringing the total to $69.2 million, for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI). This initiative supports caregivers and individuals diagnosed or suspected of having Alzheimer’s disease, providing a person-centered, holistic care model focused on community support and early diagnoses.

Maintaining a steadfast commitment to Florida’s nursing workforce, the budget earmarks $125 million for two key nursing education initiatives:

• $100 million for the Preparing Institutions, Programs, Employers, and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) program to reward excellence in nursing education programs.
• An additional $25 million for the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund, incentivizing collaboration between nursing education programs and health care partners.

Shifting focus to housing initiatives, the budget allocates $100 million for the third year of the Hometown Heroes Housing program, providing down payment and closing cost assistance for Florida's frontline community workers, including home health workers, facilitating workforce housing in communities where individuals work.

HCAF Commends Governor DeSantis

HCAF commends Governor DeSantis for supporting the Medicaid PDN provider community and his ongoing efforts to expand the nursing workforce. The organization eagerly anticipates building on these proposed investments during the legislative session in Tallahassee next month.

• Related News: Gov. DeSantis Unveils $114B Budget Proposal (Florida Politics, 12/5/23)

2024 Florida Legislative Session Preview

With the Florida Legislative Session a month away, HCAF invites members to stay informed through our real-time legislation tracker at HCAF.tiny.us/tracker. Additionally, active participation in the Home Care Day at the Capitol advocacy event on January 24-25, 2024, is encouraged and provides an opportunity for industry advocates to contribute to crucial health care policy discussions. For more information, visit HCAF.tiny.us/HomeCareDay.

Support the Home Care PAC 2024 Campaign

The Home Care Political Action Committee (PAC) is dedicated to enhancing the political influence of the home care industry by supporting candidates who represent our interests in Tallahassee. As a voluntary, non-profit, and non-partisan organization, the PAC operates independently of HCAF membership dues and is regulated by the Florida Division of Elections.

Your contribution will have a meaningful impact by supporting Florida political candidates committed to advancing public policies that benefit the home care provider community. Individuals and businesses are welcome to contribute, with no contribution limits.

Join us in the Home Care PAC's fundraising campaign, aiming to raise $50,000 for the 2024 election. Together, we have a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of home care.

Click here to invest in your profession today!