FHCA Applauds Legislature for Funding the Front Line of Care in State Budget

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today applauded the Florida Legislature for prioritizing Florida's long term caregivers and the residents entrusted to their care. Specifically, the state budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year includes a 7.8% increase in Medicaid reimbursement for nursing centers, which amounts to an additional $293 million in funding – approximately $419,000 per care center.

“We want to thank President Simpson, Senators Stargel and Bean, Speaker Sprowls, and Representatives Trumbull, and Avila for leading their colleagues in making sure the budget puts a focus on our residents and the front-line heroes who care for them every day,” said FHCA Chief Executive Officer Emmett Reed. "This appropriation will produce higher wages and better benefits, which in turn will attract new workers and incentivize current staff to remain in their positions. This will help us begin to address the workforce challenges that are impacting our ability to meet the needs of our aging seniors and people with disabilities."

"Inflation, labor costs, and COVID-19 requirements have had a significant impact on our nursing centers,” Reed added. “This much-needed funding increase will help our care centers support their front-line caregivers and compete in the labor market. With the continued support of the Governor and Legislature, we can ensure that Florida has a stable and sustainable long term care system and remains a leader in delivering high-quality care."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2022

PRESS CONTACT
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-510-4389 or kknapp@fhca.org