Great beginning – and the legislative session hasn’t even started! The Governor’s recommended budget is what launches the beginning of the upcoming legislative session. Prior to this, self-advocates, families, and providers around the state have been visiting legislators by attending local delegation meetings and building coalitions to ensure real life stories are front and center. The consistent theme has been the needs of those individuals on the iBudget waiver and APD’s Waiting List. The Arc of Florida was pleased with the rate increase in Governors DeSantis’s recommended budget and it is good that the needs of this vulnerable population will be a priority. Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo joined Senator Colleen Burton, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Policy, and Senator Gayle Harrell, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, and announced the Senate’s Live Healthy proposal for the 2024 Legislative Session. The goal is to grow Florida’s health care workforce, increase access, and incentivize innovation. Part of this proposal also included provider rate increases.  Senate bills SPB 7016 and SPB 7018 are scheduled to be heard on December 12 in the Senate Committee Health Policy; more details are to follow at that time. It is clear that the Senate is putting a significant investment in the expansion of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

A few of the appropriations which include rate increases are:  
  • $195.8 million ($82.3 million recurring GR; $113.5 million recurring TF) to provide a uniform Home and Community Based Services Waiver provider rate increase.
  • $34.9 million ($14.7 million recurring GR; $20.2 million recurring TF) to provide a Medicaid reimbursement rate increase for dental care services.
  • $29 million ($12.1 million recurring GR; $16.9 million recurring TF) to provide a Medicaid reimbursement rate increase for private duty nursing services provided by LPNs and RNs.
  • $34.2 million ($14.4 million recurring GR; $19.8 million recurring TF) to provide a Medicaid reimbursement rate increase for OT, PT, and Speech Therapy providers.
  • $22.6 million ($9.5 million recurring GR; $13.1 million recurring TF) to provide a Medicaid reimbursement rate increase for Behavioral Analysis Services.

The actual legislative session begins January 9. You are being heard!
Good Read! Three Fields (A Brother. A Sister.) is now on sale. This is a compelling journey of two families who chose different paths for their children born with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One documents the pain and uncertainty, while the other joy and togetherness. Get yours today! 

While we are in the midst of the holiday season, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for all the donations and memberships we have received. Without your support, we would not be able to advocate for those we serve. From our families to yours, we hope you have a safe and happy holiday.
Advocacy Days
Sept. 13-15, 2024
Thank you for your advocacy! If you want additional information regarding this issues, please contact our CEO Alan Abramowitz at alan@arcflorida.org or 850.241.3232.