Florida lawmakers have approved the Live Healthy package—which will provide more than $700 million for healthcare workforce supplementation and innovation in the state—which will now head to Gov. Ron DeSantis to be enacted into law, pending his signature.
The Senate approved the package in January, with the House following suit on Thursday. Live Healthy’s primary components include Senate Bill 7016 and SB 7018. SB 7016 will supplement the state’s workforce through a multi-faceted approach, focusing on education, training, and retention strategies. SB 7018 will create the Health Care Innovation Council within the Department of Health and require the department to administer a revolving loan program for applicants seeking to implement healthcare innovations in the state.
Live Healthy also includes some ancillary measures, including SB 1758, which would appropriate nearly $39 million in recurring funds to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to offer waiver services to individuals who have been on a waitlist for iBudget services. SB 1758 passed in the Senate on Feb. 7th, and awaits votes in the House.
Florida Hospital Association (FHA) President and CEO Mary Mayhew said the Live Healthy package—which was championed by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo—will strengthen Florida hospitals and underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery.
“Florida families rely on our hospitals for important healthcare services, from welcoming new babies to providing life-saving treatments and compassionate end-of-life care. FHA is grateful to work alongside remarkable hospital leaders and dedicated elected officials to deliver a modern, sophisticated healthcare system for our residents and visitors.
Thank you, Senate President Passidomo, Sens. (Colleen) Burton and (Gayle) Harrell, House Speaker (Paul) Renner, and Reps. (Michael) Grant and (Karen) Gonzales Pittman for supporting the health and well-being of Floridians, and the hospitals that contribute so much to that end.”
— Mayhew
Burton is the sponsor for SB 7016, while Harrell sponsors SB 7018.
FHA advocated for the following components in the Live Healthy package:
- $500 million over a 10-year period to support the new revolving loan fund to foster healthcare innovation and technological advancements in workforce development and healthcare delivery models
- $134.6 million to enhance hospital Medicaid reimbursement rates to support moms and babies during labor and delivery
- $100 million for Graduate Medical Education in statutory teaching hospitals
- $50 million for Graduate Medical Education to expand the Slots for Doctors program, creating 500 new residency slots to address workforce shortages
- $30 million for Nursing Education (LINE) and Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) programs to strengthen healthcare workforce development partnerships and create a robust pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals
- $11.5 million to support integrated, community-based behavioral healthcare
- The approval of Medicaid reimbursement towards Hospital Home Care Services, enabling more patients to receive quality care in their homes
The 2024 Florida State of Reform Health Policy Conference will be held on April 25th at the JW Marriott in Tampa. Those interested can register here.
Why don’t we spend money on Prevention! How to stop people from getting sick, so we don’t need so many hospital beds.