FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 3, 2023
CONTACT: JULIET HAUSER
(941) 830-2922
Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Hospital Association (FHA) today thanked the Florida Legislature for key investments in strengthening health care across the Sunshine State.
“Florida hospitals play such an important role in our state. We not only provide world-class care to 22 million residents and 140 million annual visitors, but we’re also economic engines for our communities,” said Mary Mayhew, CEO of FHA. “The Legislature’s investments in Florida hospitals this year are a reflection of the value these institutions provide to this state and will have a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.”
With the final budget approved by the Florida Legislature for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, the state of Florida is prioritizing health care workforce development, while maintaining current Medicaid rates for reimbursement of services. As Florida continues to face a physician shortage, this year’s budget reflects a 48 percent increase in overall funding for Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs from last year.
“To maintain the high-quality care that Floridians expect and deserve, we must recruit and retain a strong workforce and expand our services to treat the challenges that come our way. We are grateful to Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, Senate Appropriations Chair Doug Broxson, House Speaker Paul Renner and House Appropriations Chair Tom Leek for their leadership and efforts to strengthen the pipeline of Florida’s health care workforce.”
The Florida Legislature has allocated an additional $279.9 million to pay for the health care services provided by Florida's hospitals. Key budget investments in Florida hospitals include:
- $76.1 million to support a hospital rate enhancement for complex pediatric cases
- $93.8 million increase to support the Statewide Medicaid Residency Program
- $30 million to Slots for Doctors GME program
- $15 million for graduate medical education programs
- $10 million to support rural hospital capital improvements
The state investments are part of the budget passed by the Florida House and Florida Senate today, which – if signed by Governor Ron DeSantis -- will provide funding for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, beginning July 1.
The state budget also includes additional resources to help expand the behavioral health continuum to ensure appropriate resources exist for these critical programs. The Legislature funded more than $473 million to support programs across the state, including meaningful investments in community mental health models and Florida’s psychiatric bed infrastructure. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) community mental health budget has increased by 47% and includes $31 million for central receiving facilities, $77.9 million to expand bed capacity at state mental health facilities, and a substantial $156.3 million block grant for community-based mental health services. These critical investments positively impact hospitals’ ability to provide high-quality behavioral health care and demonstrate progress to improve the mental well-being of all Floridians.
ABOUT THE FHA
Founded in 1927, the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) is the leading voice for health care in the State of Florida. Through representation and advocacy, education, and informational services, the Florida Hospital Association supports the mission of over 200 hospitals and health care systems to provide the highest quality of care to the patients we serve. Led by President and CEO Mary Mayhew, the Florida Hospital Association is located in Tallahassee and is governed by a Board of Trustees and officers elected by the member institutions.
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