Continued growth predicted for Florida's economy

On Friday, Florida's economists projected the economy would continue to "grow steadily" over the next three years, leading to a general revenue budget surplus in excess of $1 billion. This week, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity released an infographic, outlining Florida's economic growth by the numbers.

While these indicators are positive, final budget recommendations from the Governor and Legislature are forthcoming. FHCA will continue to monitor and share information on proposed budget allocations, in particular those impacting long term care providers, as we move into the 2014 legislative session.

Margate Health Care Center hosts Rep. Waldman

Rep. Jim Waldman (D-96) toured Margate Health Care Center this week, meeting with residents and staff and thanking them for the work they do in running a "very impressive facility." He noted in particular that "the staff is very friendly and caring and that you all are obviously very proud to work here and it shows."

Administrator Tony Farinella had the opportunity to speak with the Representative about FHCA's legislative priorities, including the need for adequate reimbursement and Certificate of Need reforms that support nursing facility modernization. They also discussed Florida's long term care sector, including the average age of residents and the complexities of their care, as well as the volume of post-acute care the facility provides.

Pictured with Representative Jim Waldman is District Aide Melissa Burnos; Employees of the Month Award winners Linda Jones, LPN, and Judith Marsh, C.N.A.; and Administrator, Tony Farinella.

FHCA supports move toward meaningful ALF reform

On Tuesday, the Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee met and advanced SB 7000, the proposed committee bill that addresses assisted living facility reforms. Peggy Rigsby of FHCA testified in support of the bill, noting that passing meaningful ALF reforms is one of FHCA’s 2014 legislative priorities. As we’ve been reporting, FHCA staff and members have held numerous meetings with Sen. Eleanor Sobel (D-33) and other legislators to discuss this issue.

Progress could already be seen by way of the shift in committee member discussions, as several legislators appeared to have a better understanding of distinction between nursing homes and ALFs and want a solution to holding unlicensed facilities accountable so they don’t tarnish the image of the entire long term care sector. It was clear lawmakers are looking to pass some form of ALF legislation this year, and FHCA will be taking the lead on this issue to ensure the rules are clarified and do not impose additional, burdensome regulations on licensed ALFs committed to delivering high-quality care.

Urge Congress to Protect Funding for Florida Nursing Home Care

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote any day on a Debt Ceiling Package that includes a “Doc Fix,” which is partially paid for by reducing the nursing home provider assessment rate from a maximum of 6% to 5.5%.  Under this plan, the impact on Florida is greater than any other state. Please TAKE ACTION TODAY and contact your Members of Congress and urge them to stop the Medicaid provider assessment reduction proposal in the Debt Ceiling debate.

In 2008, the Florida Legislature enacted a provision to create a provider assessment at the maximum amount in an attempt to fund nursing homes during the down economy.  The impact of this reduction on Florida nursing home care is significant.  A .5% reduction would cut funding for Medicaid nursing home providers by $86.5 million.  This means facilities’ average $213 per patient day rate would be cut by approximately $5.45.  Nursing homes are already underfunded by almost $21.00 per patient day (the difference between the Medicaid rate and the actual cost of care). Facilities will not be able to absorb such a reduction, especially given that 70% of their operating costs pay for the caregivers and other staff working to take care of our state’s most frail seniors.

The provider assessment program is essential to funding quality long term care services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Any reductions to the provider assessment threshold will affect the care of thousands of Floridians in nursing homes and have a significant impact on nursing home providers, along with thousands of other health care providers throughout the state. 

Click here to send an email now to your Members of Congress and tell them to oppose any legislative proposal that would reduce the maximum allowable Medicaid provider assessment rate or quality assessment fee.

Legislators tour facilities to better understand long term care

As lawmakers gather in Tallahassee to begin committee work in anticipation of the 2014 legislative session, Florida Health Care Association continue their work of educating policy makers about the important role of long term care providers in caring for Florida's frail elders. Along with meeting with legislators throughout the Capitol and in their district offices, many facilities are offering tours to give lawmakers an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the quality care being delivered to long term care residents with complex medical needs.

Recently, Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto (center, R-30) toured Page Health and Rehabilitation Center. FHCA Independent Owner Vice President and Page CEO Wes Edwards (left) provided an extensive tour, giving the Senator an opportunity to meet with residents and staff and learn more about the important services they offer to area seniors.

Legislators Honored with Champion for Elderly Awards

On August 7 during Florida Health Care Association's 2013 Annual Conference in Hollywood, Fl., the Association honored several legislators who stopped by to visit with members and accept their 2013 Legislative Champion for the Elderly Award. FHCA Past President Kelley Rice-Schild presented Sen. Rene’ Garcia (R-Hialeah) with his award, while Past President Dion Sena presented Rep. Katie Edwards (D-Sunrise) with her award. Both legislators played an important role in the Certificate of Need debate that took place during the 2013 legislative session.

Rep. Bill Hager (R-Boca Raton), who sponsored the nursing home tort reform legislation, was presented his award by FHCA District XI President Neil Sutton. FHCA also presented Rep. Eddy Gonzalez (R-Hialeah Gardens) and Rep. Mark Pafford (D-West Palm Beach) with their awards for their ongoing support of the long term care profession.

FHCA Chief Lobbyist Bob Asztalos came in his Navy HMCS uniform to make the award presentation to Rep. Cary Pigman (R-Sebring) via Skype. A U.S. Army Reservist, Rep. Pigman was recalled to active duty and is currently serving as a physician in the Middle East.

FHCA’s Legislative Champion for the Elderly Awards are determined as part of FHCA’s post-session Legislative Scorecard, which assesses legislators on their sponsorship/co-sponsorship of pro-long term care legislation, their voting record and overall support or non-support related to issues or bill(s) that impact the profession. Additional lawmakers who were recognized but unable to attend included Rep. Daniel Davis (R-Jacksonville) and Sens. Denise Grimsley (R – Sebring), Joe Negron (R – Palm City) and Jeremy Ring (D – Margate).