Florida Cuts Rates to Providers

TALLAHASSEE -- The Agency for Persons with Disabilities implemented a 4 percent provider rate reduction July 1, as required by the Florida Legislature.
Additionally, the law requires a cost plan freeze for all waiver recipients. No one may increase their waiver services unless they are in a crisis situation. The Florida Legislature has mandated that the group bring its Medicaid waiver expenditures within is appropriation.

Florida Governor Drops Rate Cuts

Hopefully this will come to fruition, but just waiting for the next installment.

TALLAHASSEE -- After taking weeks of heat, Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday he’s withdrawing his order cutting payments to caregivers for Floridians with Down Syndrome, spinal bifida, autism and other developmental disabilities.
Scott confirmed what he hinted earlier this week — during a visit to the state’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities. The House and Senate have agreed to find dollars in their budget proposal to cover the $174 million deficit that prompted his 15 percent rate cut, which he said will be lifted by the beginning of next week.

Florida Governor Offers Option to Cuts

Not sure Gov. Scott's request is reasonable, but perhaps some sort of compromise can be reached. Don't think he realizes how devastating his cuts will be to some of Florida's most vulnerable citizens and the people who have dedicated their careers to serving them and their families.


TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Tuesday he will cancel massive cuts in the Agency for Persons with Disabilities if legislators come up with a $174-million budget patch.
Since Scott's across-the-board cuts March 31, hundreds of Floridians with disabilities have been searching for new caregivers while companies that serve them are reducing staff and services.
"Hopefully, we'll see if the Legislature will give us some emergency funding. But we have to live within our means," Scott told about 100 APD employees after a tour of their agency.

Florida Cuts Put Group Homes in Jeopardy

PALMETTO, Fla. -- Near her bed, 55-year-old Susan Rex has books and puzzles and pictures of trucks she likes.
She also has a best friend, Angie Cianfaglione, that she hangs with.
But the neatly landscaped, five-bedroom group home on 36th Avenue East in Palmetto -- where Rex has lived for 24 years and shares with nine other developmentally disabled adults -- is in danger of closing.