Florida Hospitals Reject Gov. Scott’s Plan For Profit Sharing
The governor's proposal was meant to offer a way for some hospitals to withstand the loss of funding that the federal government has said will end soon, as well as the lack of increased revenues since the state has not opted to expand its Medicaid program. That expansion controversy is at the heart of a legislative impasse that has stalled the state budgeting process.
Tampa Bay Times:
Hospitals Say No To Scott's Profit-Sharing Plan
Florida hospitals have a response to Gov. Rick Scott’s proposal that lost federal health care funding be offset by profit sharing: No way. On May 8, the governor wrote in a letter that surpluses from profitable hospitals could be used to help keep afloat those that don’t break even as a possible replacement for the federally funded Low-Income Pool, which ends June 30. But the FHA says its hospitals already fund poor Floridians’ health care by way of Medicaid. Pointing to a report commissioned by the state, FHA points out that hospitals contribute roughly $1.3 billion to Medicaid. (Auslen, 5/18)
Tampa Bay Times:
Agencies Release Shutdown Contingencies Ahead Of Special Session
State agencies on Monday met Gov. Rick Scott's deadline to list critical services that could be affected by a possible government shutdown if lawmakers cannot agree on a budget for the state by June 30. (Auslen and Bousquet, 5/18)