FHCA Applauds Florida Legislature for Significant Medicaid Funding Increase in State Budget

Tallahassee, FL - The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today applauded the Florida Legislature for providing a significant Medicaid funding increase that will help nursing centers remain focused on being the gold standard in high-quality long term care. The state FY 2025-2026 budget approved by lawmakers to close out the 2025 legislative session includes a $246.7 million increase in Medicaid funding for nursing center care.

“We are deeply grateful to the Florida Legislature — and particularly to Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez — for reinforcing critical funding for Florida’s nursing centers and the residents entrusted to their care," said Emmett Reed, FHCA Chief Executive Officer. "This investment reflects a strong commitment to quality and recognizes the importance of the state’s continued support to address our profession’s workforce challenges and elevate the life-enhancing services provided to Florida’s seniors and individuals with disabilities."

“We also extend our sincere thanks to Sen. Ed Hooper, Sen. Jay Trumbull, Rep. Lawrence McClure, and Rep. Alex Andrade for their steadfast leadership on Medicaid funding, which covers vital services for nearly two-thirds of our residents. Their efforts will do so much to help ensure that Florida remains the national leader in high-quality, compassionate long term care," Reed continued. 

By 2030, more than one-third of Florida’s population is expected to be aged 65 and older, and by 2050, the number of residents aged 85 and older is expected to have more than tripled. Individuals are entering nursing centers later in life and requiring higher intensities of care and support. These are individuals living with chronic diseases, with almost half of residents being diabetic, and having Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Many residents also have behavioral health, bariatric and respiratory therapy needs. Florida is outpacing the nation in the standard of care provided to seniors and people with disabilities living in nursing centers as shown on FHCA's Long Term Care Quality Dashboard. Two-thirds of those individuals rely on Medicaid to cover the cost of their long term care services and support.

“Our thanks also extend to Senator Burton for her leadership on several policy proposals that were included in the final budget which will ensure Florida remains the gold standard when it comes to how that care is delivered,” said Reed.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 17, 2025

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