FHCA Applauds Legislature for Increased Funding for Nursing Center Care

Statement from FHCA Executive Director Emmett Reed on $138 Million Increase in New State Budget

"FHCA applauds the Legislature for making the quality care of our frailest elders a priority. We want to especially thank Senate President Joe Negron, who has long been a champion for nursing home residents.  Under his leadership, this year's budget includes almost $130 million in increased Medicaid funding for nursing homes. With those added dollars, facilities will have more resources to retain and recruit higher-quality staff to be directly involved in the care of residents. The funding increase will also support facilities as they continue making measurable improvements to residents' health and well-being. An additional $10 million in the budget will also support providers as they prepare the transition to the Prospective Payment System in October.

The Legislature has also taken another positive step to improve the quality of life for nursing home residents by increasing the resident personal needs allowance from $105 to $130. The additional $25 per month this increase provides will allow greater choices for residents who rely on Medicaid as their long term care safety net, helping them to pay for personal items that improve their quality of life – things like beauty services, clothing, and other personal items.

With this budget, Florida lawmakers have kept their promise to maintain the highest quality of care for nursing home residents. Senate President Negron, Senators Bradley and Flores, Speaker Corcoran, and all legislators will be remembered for their effective, meaningful, and thoughtful actions for the state’s long term care residents."

MEDIA CONTACT
Kristen Knapp, APR
Director of Communications
Florida Health Care Association
(850) 701-3530 or kknapp@fhca.org