FHCA Applauds Legislature for Supporting Florida’s Nursing Centers

Tallahassee, Fla. - The Florida Health Care Association expresses its sincere appreciation to Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez, and committee chairs and members for approving a 2026–27 state budget that reaffirms Florida's commitment to setting the gold standard in long term care. This investment of $173.5 million in Medicaid funding, including $123.6 million in recurring funds further strengthens Florida’s ability to deliver quality care, support a stable workforce, and achieve strong outcomes for residents and families across the state.

“We extend our wholehearted gratitude to Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez, Senator Ed Hooper, Representative Lawrence McClure and the committee chairs and members whose leadership made this investment possible,” said Emmett Reed, CEO of FHCA. “This funding ensures that our state can continue to set the gold standard for long term care nationwide and deliver the results that matter most to Florida families. 

“The Medicaid reimbursement rates secured through this budget are a direct reflection of Florida's commitment to quality. Florida’s nursing centers outperform national averages across numerous metrics including residents’ daily functioning, their physical and mental health, and staffing. These results are possible because of Florida’s thoughtful leadership, and this year’s investment positions the state to build on that progress,” Reed continued. 

Florida's nursing centers care for more than 71,000 individuals with complex medical needs and disabilities, including individuals living with chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, as well as those requiring behavioral health and bariatric care. Nearly two-thirds of these residents rely on Medicaid to cover the cost of their care. 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. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2026

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